Acid attack on minor in Maharashtra village; locals demand arrest of accused

The acid attack on a minor schoolgirl in Vadgaonpan village in the Sangamner region of Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district has sparked outrage, with locals staging a “rasta roko” protest and demanding swift action against the absconding accused.

On Tuesday (March 17, 2026), the 13-year-old girl suffered severe facial burns owing to the acid attack by an unknown person. According to police, she was heading home from the school in the afternoon when she was attacked. She is currently taking treatment at the hospital in Loni. 

Ahilyanagar police has booked the accused under section 124 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid) and 126 (wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The issue was also raised in the ongoing Budget session in the Legislative Assembly, where Sangamner MLA Amol Khatal mentioned that the survivor is from economically weaker section. Further, as per the assurance of Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, financial assistance will be provided under Nirbhaya Scheme. Ms. Tatkare also informed that the girl suffered 7% burn injuries.

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Calling the attack unfortunate, Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the State Government, saying that it has failed to maintain law and order. Such attacks reflect criminals no longer fear the police. 

Meanwhile, MLA Chitra Kishor Wagh, BJP women’s wing State president said, “Ten special teams are deployed to nab the accused and best medical care will be given to the survivor.” She also added that culprit will be caught soon, and strictest action will be taken against him.