Nadiad court sentences woman to 5-yr jail for acid attack on two men

A sessions court in Nadiad has convicted and sentenced a woman to 5 years in jail for throwing acid on two men during a petty quarrel over children playing in 2021.

The court found Sapna Zala guilty under Section 326(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. She was sentenced to five years in jail and fined Rs 11,000. From the fine amount, Rs 5,000 each was directed to be paid as compensation to victims Vikramsinh Zala and Karansinh Zala, while the remaining Rs 1,000 was ordered to be deposited with the state government.

Gunvantsinh Zala, the husband of the accused and with whom the quarrel started, was acquitted by the court.

Forensic analysis by a scientific officer confirmed that samples collected from the spot and the victims' clothes contained components of hydrochloric acid. Medical evidence further corroborated that the injuries were caused by acid.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that the complainants and witnesses consistently supported the case, clearly describing the role of the accused. The medical officer's testimony confirmed acid-related injuries.The defence contended that the complainant initially did not name the accused in their medical history, claiming the prosecution failed to prove the offence.

The incident dates back to December 4, 2021, when a dispute erupted between Gunvantsinh Zala and complainant Vikramsinh Zala over children playing in the area. The argument turned abusive, following which Sapna Zala, wife of Gunvantsinh, allegedly arrived with a plastic container containing acid and threw it at the complainants. The acid struck Vikramsinh Zala on the forehead and Karansinh Zala on the left cheek, causing burn injuries to both. The women accused also allegedly threatened to kill the victims.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Dakor Police Station.