Acid assault is a premeditated and heinous criminal act with the deliberate intent of inflicting pain and causing disfigurement. Whilst acid attacks in India are most often seen as gender-based violence against women, many acid attack victims are men. Many cases go unreported, and many stories are left untold, such as the story of Rahul Deepak from Mumbai, India.
Rahul Deepak, a bouncer by profession, became a victim of a vicious acid attack in 2013 and was completely blinded after the deadly corrosive substance was thrown all over his body. The impact of the attack was concentrated on his eyes and face. The person and the motive behind the attack remains a mystery to Rahul. But the damage is already done. He has lost his eyesight for good.
Rahul consulted a local doctor in Mumbai and underwent a month-long treatment but the results of recovery were hopeless. The doctor felt that Rahul needed advanced treatment and recommended that he visit Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, where Dr Bhupesh Bagga conducted a detailed examination and found out that Rahul’s eyes were damaged severely due to chemical injury.
Rahul’s cornea was melting. He wasn’t able to open his eyes. Post the examination, doctors informed Rahul that an operation was needed to treat him. The recovery chances were thin, but doctors were ready to give it a shot. Rahul had lost all hope. However, the counsellors at Tej Kohli Cornea Institute motivated Rahul with reaffirmation and positivity and convinced him to proceed with the surgery.
Rahul regained his eyesight.
Rahul’s mother fondly remembers his days as a bouncer where he was able to earn and live a good life. After the attack, she too had lost hope of seeing Rahul lead a normal life ever again. Thanks to the Tej Kohli Cornea Institute, her hopes are alive again.