Scars Beyond the Skin: An Introspection into Acid Attack Cases in Kerala (2016–2025)

Abstract

An acid attack is one of the most brutal and heinous crimes that violates human rights globally. The irreversible physical disfigurement is visible in the inflicted bodies, and the intensity of physical trauma and psychological marginalisation is unfathomable. This paper analyses the reported acid attack cases in Kerala from 2016 to 2025. FIRs pertaining to acid attack cases from 2016 to 2025, downloaded from THUNA (The Hand You Need for Assistance), the official citizen service portal and mobile app launched by Kerala Police for digital public safety services, were used as the primary source for this study. The findings reveal that 46 cases have been reported during this period. By using this data, this paper is trying to examine the district-wise distribution, the victims’ gender, residence, age, number of victims, perpetrators’ gender, victim-perpetrator relationships, the reasons, and the ways of these acid attack cases in Kerala. This study shows that acid attacks are widespread in Kerala, with a gender bias towards female victims. The observation leads to the fact that the victims of acid attacks did not get the justice they deserved when the perpetrators did not get the deserved punishment. This paper attempts to understand the reasons for the attacks and the methods used for disfigurement. The data shows most of the victims were suffering from psychological trauma and the expenses of reconstructive surgery. Thus, the paper concludes by emphasizing the need for stricter control over acid sales, uniform legal implementation, and enhanced support systems for survivors and puts forward a few recommendations for ensuring the implementation of laws for justice and the rehabilitation of acid attack victims.