‘My Face Mirrors Society’: Acid Attack Victim Awaits Justice

“I hope the guilty are punished severely. They are not human beings but beasts,”she says.

“I believe that they only burnt my skin but not my self-confidence. I’m trying to get into a post-graduation course. I will soon get a job and show them,” says Manisha. (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

It’s been over a year that 23-year-old Manisha Pailan suffered major burn injuries following an acid attack in Hasanpur village of South 24-Pargana district, West Bengal.

She still awaits justice.

On 17 November 2015, around 10 pm, Manisha was returning home from a computer centre. When she reached Hasanpur, some youths called out her name and the moment she turned her head around, the miscreants hurled acid on her.

As she screamed for help, some locals took her to local hospital where her condition deteriorated. She was then shifted to Calcutta Medical College Hospital.

The doctors informed that she had received injuries on her face, throat and torso. It was feared that she may lose her eyesight completely.

Now she can only see through one eye.

“I dreamt of a government job, but this incident changed my life.” (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

“Will Fight Till the Last Day of My Life”

Salim Halder had forcefully married his neighbour Manisha at the age of 18. But the marriage did not last long and the couple soon divorced. Manisha never wanted to live with him.

According to her brother, jealousy came into play. Salim started troubling his ex-wife ever since she started engaging in conversation with other men or neighbours. He threatened her twice using a pistol and emotionally blackmailed her.

(Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

A complaint was lodged at the police station, and the police had earlier detained three suspects who they say have links with Manisha’s ex-husband. They are now out of jail while Salim Haldar, the accused, is still absconding.

Manisha says, “I only hope the guilty are punished severely. They are not human beings but beasts. I will fight till the last day of my life.”

Also Read: ‘I Feel Like an Untouchable’: Travails of an Acid Attack Survivor

“I could not see three months back, but now I can. This happened only because of my doctors.” (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Also Read: A Stranger in The Mirror: An Acid Attack Survivor’s Story

“Children are afraid of me because of my face. It saddens me.” (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Also Read: Acid Attack Survivor Reshma is Going to the New York Fashion Week

“Dancing was my hobby and I loved to do make-up. I did a beautician’s course as well. At times, I want to wear my lipstick but it does not suit me like before.” (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Also Read: Priya, Rape Survivor-Comic Hero, Is Back to Fight Acid Attacks

Recently, a Kolkata-based non-profit society felicitated Manish for her struggle and willpower. (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Manisha on her way to the hospital. (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

“My face is the mirror of the society. Our society must be changed. When I travel on the train or a bus, people blame me and and says that I must’ve done something wrong,” said Manisha while addressing a gathering. (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

“I now live like a prisoner at home. I know what my neighbours say about me.” (Photo courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Tanmoy Bhaduri is a Kolkata-based freelance photojournalist.)