Delhi government cracks down on illegal acid sellers NEW DELHI: The Delhi government launched a crackdown on illegal sale of acid in the capital on Friday. Official of the revenue department raided 96 premises and sealed three involved in stocking acid for commercial purpose. The raid was in keeping with orders of the Supreme Court to prevent acid attacks on women and to take on those involved in the illegal trade. Last year, calls to the 181 helpline set up by then chief minister Sheila Dikshit for women in distress, too, reported increase in acid attack cases. Fridays inspections by the revenue department were also made in compliance with the directions issued by Supreme Court in the case of Laxmi vs Union of India. During the inspection, 17 premises were identified violating the norms, eight cases have been registered and a total penalty of Rs 1,30,000 has been imposed on lawbreakers. Three premises have also been sealed, principal secretary (revenue) Dharampal said. Dharampal said that three premises in north district were sealed during the inspections. No law violations were found in south, southwest, northeast, Shahdara and New Delhi districts. According to the Supreme Court order, no seller is allowed to stock or sell acid without licence. Buyers must show a photo identity proof issued by the government and state purpose of purchase. The seller is obliged to record sales details and submit them with the local police within three days. He must also disclose all stocks to the local sub-divisional magistrate within 15 days. Failing to do so could lead to a fine of Rs 50,000. No acid should be sold to anyone below 18 years of age. Also, only non-harmful forms of acid will be available over the counter. In laboratories, hospitals and other institutions where acids are used, a person will be placed in charge of storing acid and of compulsory checking of students and personnel leaving the institution.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 05:23:33 +0000
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