KATHMANDU, May 18: On February 22, 2015, Sangita Magar was attacked with acid by an acquaintance at Basantapur Durbar Square when she was studying at a tuition center. The attack left her badly injured and struggling for life in a hospital for several weeks.

Magar, who survived the brutal attack made over personal enmity, has now come forward to help Jenny Khadka, who was attacked with acid by her estranged husband on Wednesday. Khadka is currently undergoing treatment at Kirtipur Hospital.

The 20-year old Magar, who initially lost almost all hopes of life but regained them later, has been regularly visiting the hospital to give moral support to Khadka as she recuperates from the horrible experience and pain. “As soon as I heard about the incident, I decided to visit the hospital to encourage her and give her a moral boost as she passes through the hardest time in her life,” she said, reminiscing the days when she was in her shoes.

Altogether four incidents of acid attacks including Khadka's were reported across the country last fiscal year alone. As the instances of acid attacks against women are on the rise, serious questions are being raised from various quarters over women's safety and security.

Doctors said Khadka, who is undergoing burn treatment at Kirtipur Hospital, is in a stable condition following a surgery on Friday.

According to Dr Shankerman Rai, she had burn injuries on the left side of her neck, chest and hands with about 10-15 per cent of her body parts burnt by the attack. “Although her condition is a bit improved and stable now, it could have critical and uncalled for impacts within the first week of treatment,” Rai told Republica.

Rakesh Mahat, a relative of victim Khadka, said doctors are looking forward to conducting plastic surgery after numerous sessions of frequent dressing and minor surgeries.

On Wednesday evening at around 8, Khadka was attacked by her estranged husband Bishnu Bhujel at Kalopul after which she was rushed to Om Hospital at Chabahil. The victim's mother, Kamala Khadka, said there are two persons responsible for the attack. “Both the persons are believed to have come on a scooter and run away after hurling acid on my daughter,” said khadka.

Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Crime Range, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Hobindra Bogati said the "culprit" was nabbed at Kadaghari at around 10pm. “We arrested the culprit based on the verbal statement given by the victim. He is in custody and we are further investigating the matter,” said DSP Bogati.

According to her close friend Sapana Thakuri, Khadka worked as a marketing executive for a cooperative and used to collect money from its depositors. “I have known her for the past few months. We had met a few hours before the incident and it came as a shock when I came to know about the attack,” said Thakuri.

 
• acid_attack
 
• survivor
 
• victim