Acid Attacks Cases in India: State-wise Analysis 2025

Acid attacks represent a dreadful form of violence in India, inflicting physical scars, emotional distress, and societal stigma on victims.

These assaults, frequently motivated by personal conflicts such as rejected proposals or familial disputes, disproportionately affect women.

In 2025, it is anticipated that India will experience approximately 106 acid attack incidents across its 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UTs), according to recent trends and statistics.

By examining the distribution of these cases by state, we can identify the reasons behind the higher risks faced by certain states, the factors contributing to these figures, and the strategies India can employ to address this problem.

State-wise Acid Attack cases in India 2025

Rank	State/UT	Estimated Cases (2025)
1	West Bengal	31
2	Uttar Pradesh	25
3	Madhya Pradesh	11
4	Delhi	8
5	Karnataka	6
6	Maharashtra	5
7	Bihar	4
8	Rajasthan	4
9	Gujarat	3
10	Haryana	3
11	Andhra Pradesh	2
12	Chhattisgarh	2
13	Jharkhand	2
14	Odisha	2
15	Punjab	2
16	Tamil Nadu	2
17	Telangana	2
18	Assam	1
19	Chandigarh	1
20	Jammu and Kashmir	1
21	Kerala	1
22	Uttarakhand	1
23	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	0
24	Arunachal Pradesh	0
25	DNHDD	0
26	Goa	0
27	Himachal Pradesh	0
28	Ladakh	0
29	Lakshadweep	0
30	Manipur	0
31	Meghalaya	0
32	Mizoram	0
33	Nagaland	0
34	Puducherry	0
35	Sikkim	0
36	Tripura	0

Region with the Highest Incidence of Attacks

West Bengal leads the statistics with 31 reported cases, closely followed by Uttar Pradesh with 25.

Collectively, these two states represent more than 50% of the estimated cases in India. Madhya Pradesh (11 cases), Delhi (8 cases), and Karnataka (6 cases) follow, indicating a significant concentration of incidents in a limited number of states.

In contrast, 14 states and Union Territories, including smaller regions such as Goa, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep, report no cases at all.

What accounts for the disparity in violence among states? Let us analyze the situation.

Reasons for West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh’s Preeminence

West Bengal (31 cases): Representing 29.25% of the total cases in India, West Bengal is particularly notable.

Its high population density, exceeding 100 million, especially in urban areas like Kolkata, creates an environment conducive to conflict.

A report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2023 identified West Bengal as a significant area for gender-based violence, with acid attacks frequently linked to domestic issues or acts of revenge.

The accessibility of acid in local markets, despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2013 aimed at regulating its sale, exacerbates this issue.

Additionally, rural regions, where law enforcement is less stringent, contribute to the problem.

Social stigma often prevents victims from speaking out, suggesting that the actual figures may be even higher.

Uttar Pradesh (25 cases): As the most populous state in India, with over 230 million residents, Uttar Pradesh accounts for 23.58% of the cases.

The large population increases the probability of personal conflicts, often related to dowry disputes or rejected marriage proposals.

A study conducted in 2024 by the Acid Survivors Trust International pointed out the inadequate enforcement of acid sale regulations in Uttar Pradesh, where shops openly sell harmful substances.

Furthermore, patriarchal traditions in rural areas, where women are pressured to adhere to societal expectations, contribute to the issue.

Urban centers like Lucknow and Kanpur report incidents due to overcrowding and social inequality.

Other High-Risk States

Madhya Pradesh (11 cases): Madhya Pradesh holds the third position with 10.38% of the total cases. The significant rural-urban divide plays a crucial role in this statistic.

In rural regions, where more than 70% of the state’s population resides (according to the 2011 Census), there is often a deficiency in effective policing. Acid attacks in this area are frequently linked to land disputes or familial conflicts.

A 2022 article published in The Hindu highlighted the inadequate enforcement of acid sale prohibitions in central India, which facilitates easy access to hazardous chemicals.

Delhi (8 cases): As the capital of India, Delhi accounts for 7.55% of the cases, reflecting the urban challenges it faces.

With an estimated population of 33 million in 2023, the city presents a blend of affluence and poverty, where attacks are predominantly reported in low-income neighborhoods.

A 2024 report from the Times of India indicated that many cases in Delhi involve rejected lovers or disputes in the workplace.

Despite the implementation of stricter regulations, enforcement remains a challenge in densely populated slums.

Karnataka (6 cases): Contributing 5.66% of the total cases, Karnataka’s statistics are primarily concentrated in urban centers such as Bengaluru.

The rapid pace of urbanization and the disparity in income levels are significant factors contributing to conflicts, as noted in a 2023 study conducted by the Centre for Social Research.

Enhanced awareness and improved policing have resulted in lower numbers compared to northern states; however, there are still notable deficiencies in rural regions.

States with Moderate Cases

States such as Maharashtra (5 cases), Bihar (4 cases), and Rajasthan (4 cases) exhibit moderate figures.

The cases in Maharashtra, primarily located in Mumbai and Pune, are linked to domestic violence, according to a 2024 report by India Today.

Bihar’s cases are indicative of poverty and a low literacy rate (61.8% as per the 2011 Census), which are associated with gender-based violence.

The incidents in Rajasthan frequently arise from dowry disputes, a longstanding problem within its patriarchal society, as noted by The Indian Express in 2023.

Gujarat and Haryana, each reporting 3 cases, encounter similar challenges but enjoy marginally better enforcement.

States including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, each with 2 cases, demonstrate a lower incidence of such issues.

The southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Telangana, benefit from higher literacy rates (80% and 72%, respectively, according to the 2011 Census) and more robust social programs, which contribute to a reduction in cases.

Conversely, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand face difficulties with rural enforcement, as reported by Scroll.in in 2024.

Low or Zero Cases: What’s Different?

States and Union Territories such as Assam, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Uttarakhand, each reporting a single case, benefit from either smaller populations or more effective governance.

Kerala’s impressive literacy rate of 94% (according to the 2011 Census) and its social awareness initiatives, highlighted in a 2023 article from the Deccan Herald, contribute to maintaining low case numbers.

Additionally, Chandigarh’s compact size and rigorous law enforcement play a significant role in this regard.

The 14 states and Union Territories that report no cases—examples being Goa, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep—exhibit characteristics such as limited populations, robust community connections, or geographical seclusion.

For instance, Lakshadweep, with an estimated population of 70,000 in 2023, benefits from a closely-knit community that minimizes conflict.

Nonetheless, the issue of underreporting remains a significant concern, particularly in remote regions like Nagaland or Mizoram, where societal stigma may deter victims from seeking help, as noted in a 2024 report by The Wire.

Reasons for the Existence of These Patterns

Several factors account for the differences observed across states:

Population Size: States such as Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, which have large populations, inevitably report a higher number of cases. A larger population leads to an increase in disputes.

Acid Availability: A Supreme Court ruling in 2013 required licenses for the sale of acid, yet the enforcement of this regulation is inconsistent.

A 2024 investigation by Hindustan Times revealed that acid is being sold openly in markets in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for prices as low as ₹50.

Socioeconomic Factors: There is a correlation between poverty, low literacy rates, and the prevalence of cases.

Bihar, with a poverty rate of 33.7% (NITI Aayog, 2021), and the rural challenges faced by Madhya Pradesh contribute to the incidence of violence.

Cultural Norms: In states like Rajasthan and Haryana, patriarchal beliefs contribute to violence related to dowry or honor, as highlighted in a 2023 report by BBC India.

Urban vs. Rural Divide: Urban centers such as Delhi experience cases due to social inequality, while rural areas in Madhya Pradesh face challenges related to inadequate policing.

What India Can Do

To reduce the occurrence of acid attacks, India must take decisive action. First, it is essential to enforce laws regarding acid sales rigorously—states like West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh should take measures against illegal vendors.

Second, it is important to raise awareness through educational institutions and media to diminish stigma and promote reporting.

Third, victims should receive support in the form of free medical treatment, legal assistance, and counseling, similar to the initiatives provided by Delhi’s Acid Survivors Foundation (2024 data).

Lastly, addressing underlying issues such as poverty and gender inequality through education and job creation is crucial, particularly in states that are at a higher risk.

Source

• Centre for Social Research. (2023). Urbanization and gender-based violence in Karnataka: A case study.
• National Crime Records Bureau. (2023). Crime in India 2022. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• NITI Aayog. (2021). Multidimensional poverty index 2021: State-wise analysis. Government of India.