A Class 6 student was allegedly attacked with acid by an unidentified assailant in Sangamner tehsil of Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district on Tuesday, triggering concern over women’s safety in the state.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred in the afternoon while the girl was returning home from school. The reportedly approached her on the road and, without any provocation or exchange of words, threw acid on her face before fleeing the scene.
Hearing her screams, nearby residents rushed to her aid and immediately shifted her to Pravaranagar Hospital in Loni. Doctors have initiated treatment and said her condition is being closely monitored.
Police teams reached the spot shortly after receiving information, secured the area, and launched an investigation. Officials said CCTV footage from the vicinity is being examined and local residents are being questioned to identify the accused. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
According to police sources, the victim comes from an economically weaker background and lives with her mother and grandparents following her father’s death. Her mother works as a daily wage labourer.
A manhunt has been launched to trace the accused.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut, MP from the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), launched a sharp attack on the state government over the incident.
Speaking to the media, Raut alleged that authorities may attempt to downplay the incident. “There will be attempts to deny that such an incident even occurred. The government will claim everything is under control and that women are safe,” he said, in a scathing remark.
He further criticized Devendra Fadnavis, stating that repeated incidents of violence against women indicate a failure of the Home Department. “If such attacks on minor girls are happening, the Home Minister has failed and should resign,” he added.
Raut also alleged that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated, claiming that Fadnavis spends significant time outside Maharashtra, affecting governance.
