Living in constant fear, family hopes to lead normal life

Although Seema Thakur is shook up by the acid attack on her 22-year-old daughter Aarti on Tuesday evening, she is even more worried about her daughter's mental well-being.

Although Seema Thakur is shook up by the acid attack on her 22-year-old daughter Aarti on Tuesday evening, she is even more worried about her daughter's mental well-being.

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"The physical scars will gradually fade, but it will be very difficult to rid her of the mental trauma," said Seema, who lives with her two daughters at Nallasopara.

The family moved from Malwani to Nallasopara after the first attack in December 2011.

"Physical wounds can be healed, but the mental trauma Aarti has been subjected to is impossible to deal with. She still shivers thinking about the attack and has not been able to get over it. She is extremely scared," she added.

Seema said Aarti was still under observation in a private hospital in Goregaon.

"It is not certain when she will be discharged. We have not been given a date yet. The doctors say that she is fine physically, but they are concerned about her mental health," said Seema.

Seema said although she had to be calm while around her daughter, she, too, was extremely scared.

Pooja, Aarti's 20-year-old sister, who is training to be a beautician, said she hoped that her family would finally be able to lead a peaceful life.

"For the past three months, we have been living like criminals, scared of every person walking by, afraid of every stranger. I just hope that peace returns to my family and justice is done," she said.

According to the family, Aarti has become paranoid after the three attacks and is inconsolable. Aarti got engaged recently and will be getting married soon.