The women whose scars shame India: Victims of cruel acid attacks demand action over growing number of assaults

Law prohibits sale of acid unless the seller maintains a record of the buyers



Highly concentrated acids are readily available in India for use as cleaners



Some 1,500 acid attacks are reported worldwide every year



A gang of young neighbourhood men would harass Sonali Mukherjee whenever she left home — taunting her, following her, hissing lewd comments.

But Mukherjee, 18 at the time, was not afraid.



A sociology student, she stood up to her tormenters. After she threatened to go to the police, they sneaked into her house and poured acid on her while she slept, melting away much of her face.

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