Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Monday called on the mother of the Russian woman who was attacked with acid in Varanasi and assured her of severe punishment to the guilty.
According to sources, Swaraj told the mother of the 23-year-old that trial in the case has begun and that she is taking due cognisance of the case and was in touch with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav in the same regard.
Antonina Prokina, the mother of the victim, was assured by Swaraj that the guilty will be punished heavily.
The 23-year-old Russian national had suffered severe burn and injuries after a local resident of Varanasi threw acid on her on November 13 last year.
Swaraj arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit.