Acid attack victim will get rs 2-3lakh in 2 days: varsha gaikwad

State minister comes to the aid of struggling 17-yr-old. State minister for women and child development Varsha Gaikwad has taken serious cognisance of a report in DNA on October 26 about the

struggle of a 17-year-old acid attack victim to get financial aid for her medical treatment. Gaikwad has assured that the girl will receive Rs2-3 lakh within two days for her treatment.

Just last month the state cabinet approved a scheme aimed at providing financial, medical and legal aid, rehabilitation and counselling to victims of rape, acid attacks and child abuse. The

scheme — Manodhairya Yojana — proposes to provide Rs2-3 lakh to victims. However, when the 17-year-old applied for aid under the scheme, the department of women and child development turned

down her request, saying it had “no funds”. Hence, last Thursday, the girl’s family took her out of hospital, against doctors’ advice, after being unable to pay her rising medical bills.

Talking to DNA, Gaikwad said, “I know the case and we have taken serious note of it. I will ensure that necessary funds are released expeditiously.” She said the proposal for funding the

Manodhairya Yojana is awaiting approval of the finance department, a technical issue which will be resolved soon. The victim was into a relationship with a hotel management student, Jitendra

Sakpal. However, following a tiff, Sakpal called her to Gorai beach on October 19. There, he allegedly forced acid down her throat. Her screams attracted the attention of passers-by who

rushed her to Borivli’s Bhagwati Hospital and also nabbed Sakpal. The victim, who had sustained severe injuries to her tongue and food pipe, was later shifted to Tunga Hospital in Mira Road.

After 12 days in the hospital, her bill ran up to Rs2.35 lakh. Her mother took a loan of Rs1 lakh against her mangalsutra and other valuables. She also borrowed money from friends and

relatives. The victim’s uncle, Ashok Kalgutkar, said, “She is unable to speak. The doctors are doing their best, but shortage of funds is a major constraint.”