Laxmi Aggarwal is not just an acid attack survivor, but a symbol of hope, courage, and empowerment for women across ages and nationalities.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
She was just a 15-year-old girl, in 7th grade, when she became the victim of a brutal act of revenge.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Her attacker, Naeem Khan (32 years old), also called Guddu, threw acid on her in 2005 after she refused his proposal.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Laxmi recalls that she was so traumatized that she did not look at her face in the mirror for 100 days.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
She even considered committing suicide, but she decided against it because of the agony she would bring her parents.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
Despite the physical and mental trauma, she refused to let this unjust and heinous crime, navigate her life and started to pursue a diploma.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
With the help of her parents, she took her case against Naeem Khan to court who was then condemned to 10 years in prison after a four-year trial.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
She also filed a PIL in the Supreme Court seeking new laws and amendments that dealt with acid attack crimes, and also demanded a ban on the sale of acid.
Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad
In July 2013, the Supreme Court issued decisions that resulted in the restriction of acid sales to prevent heinous acid crimes.
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