Rajya Sabha members condemn acid attacks

Cutting across party lines, Rajya Sabha members Friday condemned the many incidents of acid attacks and demanded stringent punishment for their perpetrators, saying they inflict inexpressible pain on the body and minds of victims.

The issue was raised in the upper house by Janata Dal-United leader K.C. Tyagi who said the government should set up a commission and fund it to rehabilitate acid attack victims.

"There have been several incidents of acid attack in the country. It not only affects their body, but scars their souls too. There was no law initially and attackers went scot free, then laws were made. The attackers yet escape from the law," he said.

Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien urged the government to respond.

"There must be a commission...fund it for rehabilitating the victims," he said.

"It is a serious matter. The house is concerned about it and I will convey this to the government," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said.

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan urged the government that action must be taken against the culprits.