Acid sale regulations under scrutiny after Mandi attack

The fatal acid attack on a young woman in Sain Mohalla of Mandi district on November 15 has intensified public scrutiny of acid sale regulations in Himachal Pradesh, raising alarms about how easily corrosive substances can still be procured despite stringent laws. The incident, in which the accused Nand Lal allegedly used acid obtained locally, has once again exposed the gap between existing legal provisions and their on-ground enforcement, particularly in smaller towns and semi-urban areas where compliance often remains inconsistent.

Indian law mandates strict control over the sale of acid, requiring vendors to maintain detailed records of buyers, verify identity documents and refuse sales to minors or individuals unable to provide legitimate reasons for purchase. Yet, preliminary police findings in the Mandi case indicate that the accused may have sourced the substance from a local shop, suggesting that several establishments continue to overlook required procedures. According to social activist and legal expert BR Kaundal, frequently sell acid without adhering to legal norms, creating dangerous loopholes that can be exploited for personal vendettas.

According to Mandi SP Sakshi Verma, in preliminary investigation it came into notice that the vendor who sold acid to the accused Nand Lal, did not have licence, which generally issued by the local SDM of particular subdivision for the sale and purchase of this substance.

The tragedy has prompted experts and activists to urge the government to revisit and tighten enforcement mechanisms. Social activist Narender Saini emphasised that acid attacks are entirely preventable, arguing that consistent monitoring, surprise inspections and strict penalties against non-compliant sellers could significantly reduce such crimes. Residents of town have echoed these concerns, advocating for licensing protocols backed by thorough verification checks, digital tracking of every sale and awareness drives that educate shopkeepers about legal responsibilities and the life-threatening consequences of negligence.

Several states have demonstrated that robust oversight can yield tangible results. Their adoption of comprehensive licensing systems, electronic databases and mandatory reporting has contributed to a decline in acid-related offences. Experts suggest that Himachal could prevent future tragedies by adopting similar models.