SUCCESS STORY OF VICTIM “S”

1. Background of the Case

Victim “S”, a minor girl who had completed her education up to the 8th grade, was employed at a local factory where she developed a friendship with a co-worker named Arvind. Her supervisor, Jai Prakash, began blackmailing her, threatening to reveal her friendship to her family.

On 02.07.2022, at approximately 12:30 PM, the accused Jai Prakash, through his wife Preeti, called the victim to their residence under the pretext of illness. Upon arrival, the victim was subjected to sexual assault by Jai Prakash. She was threatened with death should she disclose the incident. The victim returned home around 4:30 PM and did not inform anyone out of fear.

On 05.07.2022, when the victim refused further sexual advances by the accused, he allegedly forced her to consume acid. The victim experienced severe burning sensations, managed to return home, and lost consciousness. She was admitted to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital and subsequently referred to AIIMS on 08.07.2022, regaining consciousness on 11.07.2022.

2. Medical and Financial Challenges

As a result of the assault and ingestion of toxic substances, the victim sustained critical internal injuries, necessitating the insertion of a feeding tube. She has been prescribed a liquid-only diet on a long-term basis.

The victim reported that approximately ₹5 to ₹6 lakhs had been spent on her medical treatment and special dietary needs, including ₹1,01,050/- supported by valid medical receipts. Her family’s sole earning member is her brother, who earns around ₹7,000 per month, and she resides with her three siblings.

Despite the trauma and financial hardship, the victim expressed a strong desire to continue her education and build skills in stitching and sketching. Although she has shown emotional resilience, she occasionally experiences sadness related to the past incident, as recorded in the counselling report submitted by West DLSA.

3. Intervention by Legal Services Authorities

  • On 29.07.2022, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (West) sanctioned an interim compensation of ₹1,00,000/- under the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018.
  • On 13.11.2024, the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi, during hearing of a bail application, directed the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) to ascertain the medical expenses incurred by the victim and initiate appropriate proceedings under Rule 14 of the Scheme.
  • West DLSA was instructed to conduct counselling and assess the medical, educational, and rehabilitative needs of the victim.

4. Proceedings of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

A meeting of the Board was convened on 18.11.2024 under the chairpersonship of Dr. Aditi Chaudhary, Ld. Principal Judge, Family Court (Officiating Principal District & Sessions Judge), West District, Tis Hazari Courts. Representatives from the District Magistrate’s Office, Delhi Police, CDMO (West), and West DLSA were present.

After interaction with the victim via video conferencing and review of all records, the Board passed the following resolutions:

  • Enhanced compensation of ₹3,00,000/- was approved for ongoing medical treatment and recovery.
  • Reimbursement of ₹1,01,050/- was sanctioned based on submitted medical bills.
  • The matter was referred to the State Government for additional medical assistance under Rule 14 of the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018.
  • West DLSA was directed to initiate the process of the victim’s enrolment in the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), considering her health-related limitations in attending formal schooling.
  • The Board also recommended vocational training in stitching, as per the victim’s interest, to support her long-term rehabilitation and financial independence.

5. Outcome and Current Status

As of date, a total compensation of ₹5,01,050/- has been disbursed to the victim as follows:

  • ₹1,00,000/- – Interim Compensation (July 2022)
  • ₹3,00,000/- – Enhanced Compensation (November 2024)
  • ₹1,01,050/- – Reimbursement of Medical Expenses

The victim is presently undergoing continued medical care, has been enrolled in Class 10th through NIOS, and is actively participating in stitching training. As per the most recent follow-up, she is reported to be stable both physically and emotionally, and progressing well in her rehabilitative journey.