Print
    26 April 2012| last updated at 07:40AM

    ACID ATTACKS: Snatch thieves' favourite 'weapon'

    By Maureen Anne Muthu, Sungai Petani, Kedah

    0 comments

    I REFER to the report "Acid attack victim dies" (NST, April 24). S. Rani, 46, an accounts clerk, died on Monday without regaining consciousness at Selayang Hospital, where she was treated for burns to the face and upper body.

    The mother of three was waiting at a bus stop when two youths tried to snatch her chain.

    She put up a fight, but was splashed with sulphuric acid.

    Acid splashing seems to be the modus operandi of snatch thieves of late. In fact, there have been reports that acid attacks have been on the rise in the country.

    It would be interesting to find out where these perpetrators obtained the acid.

    Is it available over the counter? Which shops are selling it?

    At least one schoolgirl, who was also at the bus stop with S. Rani, sustained minor injuries.

    For her, it was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.

    Another thing comes to mind, too. Women have been advised, time and time again, not to wear jewellery, especially if they have to walk to their destinations or wait for transport at secluded spots. It looks like the advice is falling on deaf ears.

    My heart goes out to Rani's husband, R. Murugan and their children. And I wish the student a speedy recovery.

    Leave Your Comment


    Leave Your Comment:

    New Straits Times reserves the right not to publish offensive or abusive comments and those of hate speech, harassment, commercial promos and invasion of privacy. Your IP will be logged and may be used to prevent further submission.The views expressed here are that of the members of the public and unless specifically stated are not those of NST.


    Opinion