DCW notice to school over girl allegedly forced to drink acid

Delhi Commission of Women (DCW) today issued a notice to a school in Kalkaji area here after a girl student was allegedly forced to drink acid by unidentified stalkers.
The girl, who is in critical care unit in Safdarjung hospital, told DCW chief Swati Maliwal that she had informed her school teacher almost a week ago about being harassed by some persons.
"I met the girl in hospital today. She is in a very critical condition. DCW has issued a notice to the school," Maliwal said.
The commission has asked the school to explain what action was taken by the victim's teacher after the incident of harassment or stalking was reported to her by the minor girl.

DCW has also sought to know whether the school authorities were informed by the said teacher about the incident and if so, whether the school authorities informed the police.
Maliwal said the school authorities have been asked to respond within 48 hours, failing which appropriate action as per law will be initiated against them.

A case has been registered based on a complaint by the girl's mother, with the police saying she might have consumed something herself "under depression".
"Prima facie, it doesn't look like a case where the girl was forced to drink acid. There were no external injuries on the girl's body and she is fully conscious and is talking with her mother," a senior police official said.

The police have not ruled out the possibility of a "suicide bid" by the girl.
"The girl's parents are going through a divorce and she was allegedly depressed about her parents' separation. She could have consumed something under depression. It cannot be said with surety whether she attempted suicide," the official added.