West Bengal Leads Acid Attack Cases; Women’s Crime Sees Slight Drop
West Bengal has again recorded the highest number of acid attacks in India, continuing a troubling trend observed over recent years. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, the state reported 31 incidents with 35 victims of acid attacks in 2022. Meanwhile, across the country, 124 acid attack incidents affecting 140 victims were registered. In addition, there were 38 cases of attempted acid attacks.
Nationally, crimes against women showed only a marginal change in the same period. The total number of reported cases remained high, with only slight fluctuations compared to the previous year. Among crimes against women, “cruelty by husband or relatives” continues to make up the largest share.
Activists and legal experts say the official figures may significantly understate the real scale of the problem, due to underreporting and weak enforcement of laws. Although a 2014 Supreme Court directive mandates that shops selling acid must register and demand identity proof, enforcement of that ruling remains inconsistent in many parts of the country.
Critics argue that more effective policing, greater victim support, and stricter regulation of acid sales are urgently needed to curb this form of violence. They stress that data alone is not enough — the state must act to ensure accountability and justice for survivors.
