In Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Roshni (name changed), an acid attack survivor, has received Rs 5 lakh as "relief" 28 years after the horrific incident that changed her life. The incident took place on October 28, 1997, when a man attacked Roshni, then 15 years old, with acid after she broke off their engagement. The attack caused severe burns to her face, head, and neck, resulting in approximately 45% permanent physical disability. She lost an eye and was left with a disfigured face.

The compensation includes Rs 1 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) and Rs 4 lakh from the Uttar Pradesh government. Shaheen Malik, an acid attack survivor and activist who has been advocating for Roshni, expressed concerns about the delay in releasing the compensation, highlighting the "fragile state of affairs". Malik plans to appeal to the High Court to seek "adequate compensation" for Roshni, whose monthly expenses for medication and psychological therapy are nearly Rs 10,000.

The years following the attack were filled with trauma, pain, and a series of corrective surgeries that put a tremendous financial strain on Roshni's family. Her father, a tailor, and her mother, a housewife, exhausted their savings and relied on community donations to afford her treatment, which cost over Rs 10 lakh. Roshni was bedridden for two years after the attack.

Beyond the physical scars, Roshni also faced anxiety and depression. In the years that followed, she lost both of her parents, and her siblings moved on with their own lives, leaving her alone. Her mother had to work odd jobs to support them due to the high cost of medicines. Roshni is currently unemployed and continues to struggle with frail health.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 207 cases of acid attacks in India in 2023, with West Bengal recording the highest number of cases at 57. The NCRB data also highlights the delays in the judicial process. Out of 735 acid attack cases involving women that were up for trial in 2023, 649 were pending from previous years, while 86 were newly sent to trial during the year.

The ordeal highlights the long and difficult road to recovery for acid attack survivors, the financial burdens they face, and the need for timely and adequate compensation to support their rehabilitation and well-being. Activists continue to advocate for stronger laws, stricter enforcement, and greater support for survivors to ensure they receive the justice and assistance they need to rebuild their lives.