SOS-arsenic.net

Schoolgirl, family burnt in acid attack



A young man splashed acid on a schoolgirl and three of her family members having failed to marry her cousin at Banti village in Arihajar of Narayanganj early yesterday morning. Farzana Akter, 12, a class seven student of Banti Adarsha High School, was sleeping at her residence when Momen, 20, who passed the Secondary School Certificate examinations this year, allegedly threw acid on her with a spray gun through the window at about 3:00am. She suffered severe burn injuries on her face.

Moi Chan, 55, grandmother of Farzana, Ranu, 15, her aunt, and Goni Mia, 30, her uncle, also suffered burn injuries. Hearing the victims' cry, other family members rushed to the spot and found Momen running away. They chased him in vain. Farzana was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) while Moi Chan was admitted to a local clinic. Two others were given first aids. Farzana said Momen failed to marry her cousin Lucky as her family had arranged her marriage eight months back. He was beaten up by Lucky's family members while he tried to foil her pre-wedding ceremony (Gaye Halud).

Momen threatened her 15 days ago with acid charge, she added. A team of the Araihazar Police Station obtained statement of the victim at the DMCH. Police said they are yet to arrest the culprit.

Source: The Daily Star, August 20, 2003

Top of page
Women's Project
Home