The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday, 23 May took suo motu cognisance of an alleged acid attack and extreme domestic cruelty against a 24-year-old woman in Pune's Uruli Kanchan region, describing the media reports as “deeply disturbing.” The case involves a man who allegedly poured floor-cleaning acid on his wife’s private parts, confined her inside their home for nearly 15 days, and denied her any medical treatment.

What the Allegations State

According to the Commission, the incident occurred on 20 April when the accused returned home intoxicated and confronted his wife over suspicion of an extramarital affair. The dispute reportedly escalated into severe violence. The man allegedly took a bottle of acid and assaulted the woman, causing her extreme pain. When she attempted to flee, he is alleged to have confined her inside the house and assaulted her again.

The accused was also reportedly frustrated over having daughters rather than a son. The victim allegedly went without medical care for several days before managing to escape after nearly 15 days, subsequently reaching out to relatives, which led to the crime coming to light. Police are currently investigating the matter.

NCW's Directives to Maharashtra Police

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, directing “immediate, stringent, and time-bound action” in the matter. The Commission has sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days, covering the following:

The ATR must detail the First Information Report (FIR) registered in the case, provisions invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the status of the investigation, arrest and custodial interrogation of the accused, medical treatment and forensic examination of the survivor, and recovery of the chemical substance used in the alleged attack.

Survivor Safety and Rehabilitation

The NCW additionally sought details on measures taken to ensure the safety, protection, and rehabilitation of the survivor and her children. It directed that the investigation be conducted with “utmost sensitivity and urgency.”

The Commission strongly condemned the incident, stating that crimes involving acid attacks, domestic torture, and violence against women are “heinous in nature and must invite the strictest action under law.”

Broader Context

This incident comes amid sustained concern over domestic violence and acid attack cases across India. Acid attacks remain among the most severe forms of gender-based violence, and survivors frequently face prolonged denial of medical care, compounding the physical and psychological trauma. The NCW’s suo motu intervention signals the gravity with which the statutory body is treating this case, particularly given the alleged duration of confinement and deliberate denial of treatment.

All eyes are now on the Maharashtra Police’s response within the mandated seven-day window, and whether the accused has been arrested and charged under the relevant provisions of the BNS.