The acid attack in Mandi, which took the life of a young woman after days of fighting for survival, has caused shock and anger among locals. It has also revived fears about the growing cases of domestic violence and acid attacks in Himachal Pradesh.
Even though Himachal is seen as a safer state for women as compared to other states, activists say domestic violence is quietly spreading here. They warn that it often stays hidden behind the picture of calm and peaceful communities.
Retired police officer Anup Thakur from Kullu says that underreporting is a major problem. Many women do not speak up because they fear backlash and feel pressured by social stigma.
Himachal Pradesh Police data shows that 138 cases of cruelty against women have been reported this year. Mandi recorded the highest at 26 cases, followed by Una with 22.
Women’s groups say the Mandi tragedy is not just one such event. They note a steady rise in domestic abuse, stalking and other forms of gender violence in the state over recent years.
Veena Vaidya, district president of Akhil Bhartiya Janvadi Mahila Samiti in Mandi, says acid attacks may be rare in Himachal but domestic violence is alarmingly common. She adds that many women stay silent until the situation turns dangerous.
The Mandi incident is similar to previous cases in Solan, Kangra and Una where women faced severe domestic violence. Experts say deep-rooted patriarchy, alcohol abuse and late intervention make many marriages unsafe for women.
Despite strict Supreme Court rules on acid sale, enforcement is weak in smaller towns. Poor monitoring makes it easy for people to buy acid and carry out such attacks even today.
A social activist in Mandi says buying acid from local markets is still not difficult. He stresses that stronger checks and monitoring are urgently needed.
Retired police officer Anup Thakur says domestic violence is really underreported. He believes many cases remain hidden because of social stigma and fear.
He adds that society, families, citizens and the police all need to work together to reduce such incidents in future. He says proactive steps are essential.
The Mandi tragedy has led to protests by women’s groups. They are demanding tighter control on acid sales, fast-track courts for domestic violence, more counselling centres in rural and semi-urban areas for women, and quick financial and legal help for victims.
Experts say Himachal requires a strong plan to prevent domestic violence. They suggest early intervention, community policing, quick response systems for women in danger and more awareness programmes.
The Mandi case shows that delaying action can lead to tragic and irreversible outcomes. The horrific death of a young woman, in the very place where she was supposed to feel safest, has forced the state to confront an uncomfortable truth: domestic violence is no longer invisible and acid attacks are no longer unimaginable.
The young woman’s death in her own home, where she should have been safe, has forced the state to face a hard truth: domestic violence can no longer be ignored, and acid attacks can no longer be dismissed as rare events.
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