In a high-profile case from Jehanabad, Bihar, a minor girl has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the acid attack and subsequent murder of her friend. The incident, which occurred seven years ago, involved a suspected love triangle. The minor, enraged by her suspicion that her fiancé was having an affair with the victim, committed the heinous crime.The Jehanabad District Court, under the jurisdiction of ADJ Judge Anindita Singh, found the accused guilty under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder. Additionally, she received five-year prison sentences under Sections 307 and 326A for causing grievous harm with acid. The court also imposed a ₹10,000 fine, with an additional two-month imprisonment if the penalty is not paid.Incident detailsAccording to the prosecution, the crime took place on August 28, 2017. The victim was resting at home when the accused, her friend, entered and poured acid on her. The attack severely burned the victims neck, chest, and abdomen. She was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to Patnas PMCH, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment.Prosecutions caseThe prosecution presented nine witnesses in court, providing substantial evidence to convict the accused. Witnesses testified that the accused harboured jealousy, believing the victim had been speaking to her fiancé over the phone. This suspicion led to the premeditated acid attack that ended the victims life.This verdict marks a significant step in addressing acid attack crimes in India. The judgement serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of such acts, even for juveniles, emphasising the importance of justice for victims of gender-based violence.
