Good Samaritans help acid attack victim undergo first surgery

Thanks to the donations from Good Samaritans, acid attack victim Rajwant Kaur on Monday underwent the first surgery for her damaged face six years after being attacked. The surgery was conducted at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).

Hindustan Times through its reports on July 11 and 25 had highlighted 20-year-old Kaur's case and her parents' appeal for financial help for Kaur's treatment.

The first stage of her treatment required Rs 1.5 lakh. Following the appeals published in Hindustan Times, readers from Chandigarh, SAS Nagar and Ludhiana donated money for her treatment and also sent blessings, through letters, for her early recovery. Some citizens, who regularly donate money for needy patients at CMCH, also donated funds for her surgery.

In the first surgery, her upper lips and damaged skin of left eye was operated upon. Rajwant, who had got severe burn injuries in an acid attack in 2007, has to undergo multiple plastic surgeries.

Dr Vijay Obed, deputy director, CMCH, said, "The surgery for the upper lips and a part of her left eye was done successfully. She has some vision in her left eye, but couldn't close it for which surgery was required."

He added, "She will be undergoing treatment at the hospital for next two weeks. After she heals from the first surgery, more surgeries to cure her face would be required."

Talking to HT, Kaur's father, Joginder Singh, who is working as a security guard, thanked all donors.

He said, "Due to our poor financial condition, we were unable to get my daughter treated. Rajwant wanted to be cured and stand on her own feet. I am very thankful to all donors, who gave funds for her treatment."

Kaur was returning home from work on April 1, 2007, when a youth attacked her with acid. She had suffered severe injuries on the face and the upper part of her body in the incident. Her right eye was completely damaged in the incident, while her left eye received severe injuries as well.

The accused was also working in the same factory and had thrown acid on three girls, including Rajwant, near her home. One of the girls had died after three months of the incident, while another suffered some injuries. Rajwant suffered more than 25% burns. The accused is in jail and the matter is sub-judice.