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13 ACID ATTACK CASES

Sulphuric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid and Nitric Acid are the commonly used acids in acid attack
cases. Acids are corrosive in nature. They erode and destroy the skin tissues and may expose
or dissolve bones. The acids may damage eyes to the extent that the person becomes blind.
Acid on inhalation enters the esophagus and may cause renal failure also. The victim may die
due to excessive burns also. Treatment of burns is a long treatment involving plastic surgery
in different stages and the victim suffers both from anxiety and depression.

Figure 13.1: Acid attack survivors

Source: Hindustan Times, 18 July 2013

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Table 13.1: Types of acids and its properties

Sulphuric Acid causes most severe burns followed by Nitric Acid and then by Hydrochloric
Acid.

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Modus Operandi:
(i) When acid filled in bulb is thrown at the victim, it
spills on the face and other parts of body.
(ii) Acid can also be thrown directly from bottle/container/
syringe/jug.
(iii) Acid attacks are not only limited to women, but men
are also attacked for vendetta.
(iv) Acid is mostly used to deface the girl when she refuses
to continue with a love affair or marry.
(v) Mostl y two-wheelers (motorcycle/scooter) are used in
Figure 13.2: Damage to
commitment of acid attacks to escape quickly from
eyes and face as caused by
the crime scene. Sulphuric acid

Crime Data

According to the NCRB data, acid attack cases during 2011–13 are as follows:

Table 13.2: Acid attack cases

Source: NCRB

13.1 Indian Penal Code Sections

Section 326-Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means

Whoever, except in the case provided for by section 335, voluntarily causes grievous hurt by
means of any instrument for shooting, stabbing or cutting, or any instrument which, used as
a weapon of offence, is likely to cause death, or by means of fire or any heated substance, or
by means of any poison or any corrosive substance, or by means of any explosive substance,

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or by means of any substance which it is deleterious to the human body to inhale, to swallow,
or to receive into the blood, or by means of any animal, shall be punished with imprisonment
for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years,
and shall also be liable to fine.

Section 326 IPC was amended in 2013 with the passing of The Criminal Law (Amendment)
Act, 2013. The amendment resulted in insertion of Sections 326A and 326B for specifically
dealing with acid violence.

Section 326 A Whoever causes permanent or partial damage or deformity to, or burns or
disfigures or disables, any part or parts of the body of a person or causes grievous hurt by
throwing acid on or by administering acid to that person, or by using any other means with
the intention of causing or with the knowledge that he is likely to cause such injury or hurt,
shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less
than ten years but which may extend to imprisonment for life, and with fine; provided that
such fine shall be just and reasonable to meet the medical expenses of the treatment of the
victim and that any fine imposed under this section shall be paid to the victim.

Section 326 B

Whoever throws or attempts to throw acid on any person or attempts to administer acid to any
person, or attempts to use any other means, with the intention of causing permanent or partial
damage or deformity or burns or maiming or disfigurement or disability or grievous hurt to
that person, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall
not be less than five years but which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to
fine.

With a view of preventing acid attacks, the Supreme Court has completely prohibited over-
the-counter sale of acids unless the seller maintains a record register of the name and address
of the buyer. The seller has to submit the detail of sale to the local police within 3 days. No
acid should be sold to a person under the age of 18 years.

All the stock must be declared with the local Sub-Divisional Magistrate in 15 days. Undeclared
stock could be confiscated and defaulter will be fined up to Rs. 50,000. The Supreme Court
also directed in Writ Petition 129/2006 (Laxmi Vs Union of India) on 2 June 2013 that the
centre and the state should make this offence cognizable and non-bailable under the Poison
Act of 1919.

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Section 307 IPC-Attempt to Murder

Whoever does any act with such intention or knowledge, and under such circumstances that,
if he by that act caused death, he would be guilty of murder, shall be punished with
imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be
liable to a fine; and if hurt is caused to any person by such act, the offender shall be liable
either to imprisonment for life or to such punishment as is mentioned.

13.2 List of Reagents and Kits Required

I. Detection Kit
(i) Whatman filter paper (circular)
(ii) Test tubes
(iii) Glass droppers
(iv) Funnel
(v) Blue litmus paper
(vi) Red litmus paper
(vii) Tools for cutting out the portion of road/floor with acid stains (e.g. chisel, hammer,
etc.)
(viii) Reagents for Detection of acids/other chemical
(a) For testing sulphuric acid:
Reagent A: 5–10 per cent solution of barium chloride in distilled water
(b) For testing nitric acid:
Reagent B (Acetic acid)
Reagent C (Brucine powder)
(c) For testing hydrochloric acid:
Reagent D—5 per cent solution of silver nitrate prepared in distilled water
Reagent E (Ammonia solution)
(d) For testing Aqua Regia:
Reagent B –Acetic acid glacial
Reagent C –Brucine powder

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Reagent D–(Solution of silver nitrate)

Reagent E–(Ammonia solution)
(e) For testing Phenol:
Reagent F–(3 per cent solution of ferric chloride, i.e. 3g. of ferric chloride in
100 ml. of distilled water).

Kit Tests:
i. Test for Sulphate (Sulphuric Acid)
Addition of Reagent A to the sample (in container/swab from burnt area) gives
white precipitate.

ii. Test for Nitrate (Nitric Acid)

Addition of Reagent B to the sample solution (from container/swab from the
burnt area dissolved in distilled water) followed by Reagent C gives a blood red
colouration.

iii. Test for Chloride (Hydrochloric Acid)

Addition of Reagent D to the sample (in container/swab from the burnt area)
gives white precipitate which dissolves upon addition of Reagent E.

iv. Test for Aqua Regia: It gives positive tests of both Nitric Acid and
Hydrochloric Acid.
Addition of Reagent B to the sample solution (from container/swab from the
burnt area dissolved in distilled water) followed by Reagent C gives blood red
colouration.
Addition of Reagent D to the sample (in container/swab from burnt area) gives
white precipitate which dissolves upon addition of Reagent E.

v. Test for Phenol

Addition of Reagent F to the sample solution (from container/swab from the
burnt area dissolved in distilled water) gives violet or bluish-violet colouration.

These are presumptive tests and the sample should be sent to the laboratory for
confirmation.

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II. Fingerprint kit

(i) Fingerprint powders (black, grey, anthracene, magnetic, fluorescent)
(ii) Brush (camel hair, ostrich hair, magnetic)
(iii) Light source
(iv) Adhesive tape
(v) Fingerprint lifting cards
(vi) Gloves

III. Footprint kit

(i) Footprint lifters
(ii) Electrostatic footprint lifting device
(iii) Plaster of Paris
(iv) Machine oil
(v) Talcum powder
(vi) Spirit
(vii) Shellac solution
(viii) Wire mesh
(ix) Frame for preparing plaster cast
(x) Magnetic compass
(xi) Glass sheet (35×20 cm)
(xii) Transparency sheet/tracing paper
(xiii) Fine tip permanent marker

IV. Digital Camera of minimum 16 MP

V. Evidence collection kit

(i) Cotton gauze cloth
(ii) Surgical cotton
(iii) Forceps
(iv) Gloves
(v) Hammer
(vi) Scissors

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(vii) Evidence tag

(viii) Marking cloth bag
(ix) Sealing wax bar
(x) Candle
(xi) Matchbox
(xii) Metallic seal of IO
(xiii) Glass/plastic bottles (narrow and wide mouthed depending on the exhibit) with
rubber corks/airtight plastic lid
(xiv) Polythene zip-top bags
(xv) Distilled water

13.3 Team required for Handling the Scene

Prepare a list of persons to be associated for:
(i) Protection of scene
(ii) Searching the scene
(iii) Identification and collection of evidence
(iv) Fingerprint/footprint and forensic expert
(v) Measuring and sketching of crime scene
(vi) Photography of crime scene
(vii) Information gathering
(viii) Evidence custodian

13.4 Crime Scene Investigation

A. Protection of the crime scene:
The crime scene must be protected from entry by any unauthorized persons so
that physical evidence could not be altered, moved, destroyed, lost or
contaminated and to avoid any injury to any person due to accidental contact
with the acid spread over there. Following points should be kept in mind:
(i) Reach the location of crime as quickly as possible.
(ii) The victim should be provided with emergency medical help. Wash the
affected part with plenty of water and soap followed by sodium/potassium
carbonate or sodium/potassium bicarbonate.

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(iii) All unauthorized persons (including relatives, friends, onlookers,

photographers, etc.) should be excluded from the scene.
(iv) Officer-in-charge of the case should determine when, why and who should
enter the scene.
(v) Police officer should not leave the scene unguarded.
(vi) The witnesses, suspects and informant should be detained for further
details.
(vii) Crime scene should not get altered; it should be barricaded, enclosing a
larger area then smaller one so that no clues are left out.
(viii) During examination the original condition of doors, windows, stair-case,
lighting, routes of entry/exit should be preserved.
(ix) Do not move anything from its place. It has to be described and located
by sketches and photographs.
(x) Scene should not be cleaned till thoroughly examined.

B. Photography of the crime scene

Photographs of following should be taken from different angles:
(i) Place where the acid attack took place.
(ii) Photograph of victim if present at crime scene covering the surrounding.
(iii) Clothes of the victim.
(iv) Acid stains at the scene of attack (on floor, soil, mud, wall etc.).
(v) Container from which acid was thrown, if found at the place of attack or
in the surroundings.
(vi) Photograph of the acid trail.

C. Sketching of the crime scene

Sketches are to be drawn by an expert/IO and following are to be included in
the sketch:
(i) The place where the acid attack took place and other places where the
acid got spread.
(ii) Inter-distances between relevant objects and evidences.
(iii) Place, date and time when the sketch was made.
(iv) Name of persons assisting in taking measurements.
(v) Directions (east, west, north and south) should be indicated.

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D. Crime scene search

The crime scene should be searched thoroughly and carefully. The following
points should be kept in mind:
(i) The perimeters of the scene should be established and it should be properly
documented with the help of photographs and sketches.
(ii) Ascertain legal basis for the search prior to any seizure of evidence.
(iii) Establish method of search based on investigative theory, size of area to
be searched, and other factors. The following search methods are common:
(a) Zonal method: Area to be searched is divided into squares/sectors.
An officer is assigned to each zone.
(b) Spiral method: Also called circle method and is effective in a small
area. Searcher can begin in the center or the perimeter and moves in
a circular path.
(c) Wheel method: The searcher gathers at the center of the scene and
moves radially outwards. Drawback is the possibility of running
evidence when gathering at the center and ever increasing distance
between searchers as the investigation move outwards.
(iv) IO should collect information about the time of attack, mode of approach
of the perpetrator(s), type of vehicle involved (if any)and physical
identification of the acid attacker with the help of victim or witnesses.

13.5 Search for Evidences

(i) Stains of acid on floor, mud, soil etc. where attack has taken place.
(ii) Swabs of acid from the body of the victim to be collected at the time of medical
examination/post-mortem.
(iii) Container from which acid was thrown at crime scene or around the crime scene.
(iv) Fingerprints on the container from which acid was thrown.
(v) Pieces of glass bottle, bulb, plastic bottle/jar, etc.
(vi) Stains of acid found on the clothes, body, vehicle of the accused.
(vii) Sign of burnt injury on the body of the victim.
(viii) Burnt or partially burnt clothes of the victim/accused.

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13.6 Collection of Evidences

(i) Investigating Officer should collect information of incident in detail from the witnesses
and the victim.

(ii) Apprehend the accused as soon as possible and collect the clothes he was wearing at
the time of committing the act.

(iii) If the container still contains some acid or the traces of acid, collect that acid in a
separate glass bottle.

(iv) Collect soil, mud where stains of acid are visible.

(v) If cases where the acid stains are on the floor made of bricks, concrete or coal tar,
the floor surrounding it be removed with the help of hammer and chisel. The control
sample is taken from some distance away.

(vi) Take photograph of crime scene along with the photograph of victim showing the
burnt parts.

(vii) Victim should be taken to a nearby hospital for medical examination and treatment
and for collection of clothes/hair having acid stain.

(viii) Doctor in the hospital should take swab from burnt part of body and collect washings
in a bottle.

(ix) Check the hands of the accused/ suspect if they contain any acid burns.

(x) Look for any marks of tyre, foot, shoes, etc., at the scene of acid attack and lift /
photograph.

(xi) Ascertain the exact place and direction from where acid was thrown.

(xii) Call an expert from Forensic Science Laboratory to assist in the collection of evidences

(xiii) Record the statement of victim.

(xiv) Collect CCTV footage, if available.

(xv) Mobile phone of victim to track the attacker and check e mail record for linking
purpose.

(xvi) Find out the source from where acid was purchased. IO should then check whether
the dealer had a valid license for selling acid and identification proof of the buyer
submitted to shopkeeper.

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(xvii) At the instance of attacker if acid container or syringes are recovered, the photograph
of that place and signature of witness be obtained on recovery of items.
(xviii) Photograph of the vehicle seized and lifting of acid stain from the same.
(xix) If acid stains are found on road, take the swab of that acid stain using cotton in
distilled water to test for acid/other chemical in the resultant solution.
(xx) If acid stains are found on mud/soil, then, take that portion of mud/soil in a test tube,
add distilled water to it and filter. Collect the filtrate in another test tube. Test for
acid/other chemical in the filtrate so obtained.

13.7 Packaging and Forwarding of Evidences

(i) Exhibits should always be packed in glass container with plastic lid or in plastic
container and never in metal container.
(ii) Exhibits likely to have finger prints should be carefully packed and sealed.
(iii) Investigating Officer should direct the doctor to pack the clothes of the victim in
polythene bag and, then, in a plastic container.The plastic container should then be
covered/packed with cloth and sealed.
(iv) All the exhibits collected must be finally packed in a cloth bag and then sealed
properly.
(v) The exhibit container should be labelled with date and time of sample collection,
place of occurrence, police station, name and signature of witness and IO.
(vi) The exhibit should be sealed properly and sent to laboratory for analysis along with
sample seal duly signed.

13.8 Seizure List

(i) Prepare list of evidence material collected from the scene.
(ii) List should be signed by two public witnesses giving their full details including
permanent and temporary addresses.
(iii) The packets/parcels containing evidence material should be labelled giving description
of its contents (exhibits), case reference and should be signed by the IO.
(iv) Forwarding memo should be filled up giving a brief history of the case, details of the
parcels and their contents, nature of examination required and certificate authorizing
the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory for examination of the exhibits.

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13.9 End of Search

Before leaving the crime scene, the IO should ensure that:

(i) The crime scene search has been done thoroughly.

(ii) All evidences collected at crime scene are properly packed, labelled and sealed.

(iii) All memos are duly filled in and all other formalities in respect of procedures
mandated by the law are completed.

(iv) Final photograph of the scene of crime and close photograph of evidences should be
taken

13.10 Queries
A. From forensic medicine expert

(a) Extent of injury i.e. the degree of burn.

(b) Is injury/burn caused by an acid or any other corrosive?

(c) In order to ascertain the age of suspect (in case of juvenile), he should be
produced before a designated medico-legal expert.

B. From Forensic Science Laboratory

(a) Whether any acid is present in the exhibits sent for analysis.

(b) Identification of the acid present.

(c) If not acid, then the identification of the corrosive chemical.

(d) Comparison of fingerprints on the container of the acid with the fingerprints
of the suspect.

(e) Whether the shoe prints found at the place of attack match with the
footwear of the suspect.

(f) Whether tyre prints/marks found at the place of attack match with the
vehicle seized from suspect.

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13.11 Case Study

Source: www.indiankanoon.org/doc/73735/

Source: www.indiankanoon.org/doc/90959285/

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References
1. Working Procedure Manual for Chemistry, Directorate of Forensic Science, MHA,
Delhi, 2005.
2. Working Procedure Manual for Forensic Toxicology, Directorate of Forensic Science,
MHA, Delhi, 2005.
3. Anil Aggarwal, Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, New Delhi, 2014.

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