A fast-track court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for allegedly throwing acid on her sleeping husband, leaving him permanently blind and severely disfigured. The court imposed the maximum punishment and a fine of Rs 1.75 lakh considering the gravity of the offence.
Highlighting the gravity of acid attacks within domestic relationships, a fast-track court in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has sentenced a woman to life imprisonment for allegedly throwing acid on her husband while he was asleep. The brutal attack left the victim permanently blind and severely disfigured, prompting the court to impose the maximum punishment considering the nature and consequences of the offence.
The verdict was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court) Gopal Ji at Chandausi. The court convicted the accused, Kahkansha (30), on May 27 and subsequently awarded her life imprisonment on June 1. In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 1.75 lakh.
Background of the Case
The incident occurred on March 7, 2025, within the jurisdiction of the Nakhasa Police Station in Sambhal district. According to the prosecution, the accused and her husband, Muzaffar (35), had been experiencing serious marital discord for a considerable period. Their relationship had reportedly deteriorated due to frequent disputes and disagreements.
During the trial, the prosecution stated that the accused was seeking a divorce from her husband and had allegedly developed an extramarital relationship. These circumstances were said to have contributed to escalating tensions within the household. The couple had been married for several years and are parents to two children.
According to the prosecution’s version, the incident took place late at night when Muzaffar was asleep in his home. It was alleged that Kahkansha intentionally poured acid on her husband with the objective of causing his death.
The attack proved devastating. As the acid came into contact with his face and body, Muzaffar reportedly woke up in extreme pain and attempted to flee in order to save himself. However, the prosecution alleged that the accused launched a second attack and threw acid on him again while he was trying to escape.
The repeated assault caused catastrophic injuries. Muzaffar suffered extensive burns to his face and upper body. Most significantly, he lost vision in both eyes, resulting in permanent blindness. Medical evidence presented during the investigation and trial reportedly established the severity of the injuries and their irreversible nature.
Following the incident, a criminal case was registered at the Nakhasa Police Station on March 20, 2025, under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The police conducted an investigation into the allegations, collected medical records, examined witnesses, and recorded statements from the victim and other relevant individuals. The evidence gathered during the course of the investigation formed the basis of the prosecution’s case before the fast-track court.
Given the serious nature of the allegations and the permanent injuries suffered by the victim, the matter was treated as a grave offence warranting expedited judicial consideration.
Submissions of the Prosecution
Special Public Prosecutor Narendra Kumar Yadav argued that the attack was premeditated and carried out with the intention of killing the victim. The prosecution maintained that the accused deliberately chose a moment when her husband was asleep and vulnerable before launching the assault.
The prosecution further highlighted that the victim was attacked twice, demonstrating a clear intention to inflict maximum harm. It was submitted that the consequences of the assault were life-altering, as Muzaffar not only suffered severe facial disfigurement but also permanently lost his eyesight.
The State argued that such a brutal act warranted stringent punishment, particularly considering the devastating physical, emotional, and social impact that acid attacks have on victims.
Court’s Findings
After evaluating the evidence and hearing the parties, the fast-track court found the accused guilty of the offence. The court took into account the manner in which the crime was committed, the vulnerability of the victim at the time of the attack, and the permanent nature of the injuries caused.
The court noted that the assault had completely altered the victim’s life, depriving him of his eyesight and leaving him with severe physical disfigurement. Such injuries not only affect a victim’s health but also impact their dignity, livelihood, independence, and overall quality of life.
Considering the seriousness of the offence, the court held that a severe sentence was necessary to ensure justice for the victim and to serve as a deterrent against similar crimes.
Upon conviction, the court sentenced Kahkansha to life imprisonment. It also directed her to pay a fine of Rs 1.75 lakh. The punishment reflects the judiciary’s continued emphasis on treating acid attacks as among the most heinous forms of violent crime, particularly where the attack results in permanent disability and lifelong suffering for the victim.
Acid attacks are regarded as exceptionally grave offences under Indian criminal law because of the irreversible physical and psychological damage they inflict. Courts across the country have repeatedly emphasized that such attacks not only cause severe bodily injuries but also destroy a victim’s sense of identity, confidence, and social existence.
Over the years, the judiciary has consistently called for strict punishment in acid attack cases, recognizing the long-term trauma suffered by victims who often require multiple surgeries, prolonged medical treatment, and lifelong rehabilitation.
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