A while ago, a 14-year-old school student became the victim of a brutal acid attack. The perpetrators were two of her male classmates. The teen who lost her will to live was comforted by actors Kriti Sanon and Varun Dhawan. It was a sweet gesture indeed but it also brought home the fact that sadly, such incidents are not really scarce.
Which is why, as a society, we need to have this discourse so that victims are given the help they need. It would also help in changing the mentality of people at large and prevent such crimes in the future. And who better to start the conversation than a first-person account from a survivor herself.
Recently, Rangoli Chandel shared a throwback image of herself from when she was studying in Uttaranchal College of Science & Technology. Subsequently, she revealed the dark story behind the image – her brutal acid attack and the many surgeries that followed.
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179034421594218496
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179036347614425089
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179036501633454081
When people started sympathizing with her “loss of beauty”, she clarified saying at that time, beauty was the least of her concerns. Her main focus was the well-being of her body and restoring the functioning of her organs.
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179218367074508800
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179220404205953024
As for the man who committed the crime, she revealed that he managed to secure bail even as she was in and out of surgeries. Her sister Kangana made her realize that she needs to stop thinking about him as it was harming her recovery process. So she stopped following the case and focused on getting better instead.
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179220649149161472
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179222507242557442
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179222749375545344
Rangoli also opened up about how her friend (now husband) supported her through her ordeal by staying by her side.
https://twitter.com/Rangoli_A/status/1179042875939491840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1179042875939491840&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindustantimes.com%2Fbollywood%2Frangoli-chandel-on-horrifying-acid-attack-on-her-says-sister-kangana-ranaut-was-almost-beaten-to-death%2Fstory-3rrkm9ZtTuyo74I32Us2BJ.html
When asked about the current whereabouts of the culprit, Rangoli said that her only priority now is her husband and her son. She believes that our fight is with mindsets and not particular individuals.
People commended her for speaking up about the horrific incident and also sent her best wishes for the future.
Respect for the guts to share.. inspiring.. wishing you good health..
— Kishore (@Srini10844388) October 2, 2019
The strength you command today is commendable. With this tweet you have inspired thousands if not millions. Keep inspiring. You rose like a phoenix, only to soar high. Yours is not just any face, it's a phenomenon. Not everyone gets a story like yours. Keep inspiring.
— Panga -YAStone (@YAstone8) October 2, 2019
You’re very brave to share such an intimate pic. 🙏👏 All I see is the countenance of a courageous woman who got back on her feet and moved ahead in life. May angels always protect you! 😘
— PVA (@PinkvillaAunty) October 2, 2019
Kudos to your positive attitude and an courageous take on life!!
— Saffron (भगवा) (@Umamaheshvara) October 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/SnowyKiu/status/1179403289890349057
We hope that upcoming movies like Chhapaak will also help in bringing about a much-needed change in society.