Just two years ago, Rafat Abmohimid, a Syrian refugee lost his first child in a road-accident in Bengaluru and now he and his 11-month-old second infant son have been allegedly attacked with acid in Vikaspuri, Delhi West.
According to the reports, a group of local goons ‘intentionally targeted’ them with explosive corrosive substances during a quarrel and the two injured have been sent to the Safdarjung Hospital for emergency treatment. A FIR has been registered on Monday, 7 October.
From Mistreatments To Deathful Attack
The incident took place on 30 September when some people mistreated Rafat and his son while his wife Marisa went to the public toilet.
With cans of explosive liquid when the goons came close, Rafat sensed the toxic smell and tried to run but could not escape. Soon they threw acid on them mercilessly, and ran away. As their skins burned with harsh chemical effects, Rafat clenched his son and asked random passengers and auto rickshaws for help. Finally a motorcycle rider stopped by and took them to the hospital for treatment.
No Help From UNHCR
As per the documents Rafat has been recognised as a Syrian national and his wife, Marisa, a 26-year-old woman hails from Thailand. The couple took shelter on the road in front of the UNHCR office, in the Vikaspuri area of Delhi West. But residents were not happy, rather they were infuriated with their presence.
After Rafat lost his call center job, he has been searching for another work to stay peacefully with family and live a simple life in India. The couple also approached UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees) to seek humanitarian aid but it did not work.
“We are refugees, and the only place we can think of for assistance is UNHCR,” he told TOI when asked about the details.
A Victim To Daily Mistreatments
The little family is dealing with extremely testing situations in the national capital as they did not get any support from the officials or the government. The couple, now compelled to live in a makeshift canopy beside the street, is an easy victim of hate against refugees and mistreatments on a daily basis.
In the lack of proper work or any aid, the couple can’t manage to travel every day to approach UNHCR, which is their only hope in India, but the local residents of nearby areas have constantly been opposing their stay. Just a few days back, Rafat got deep burns around his neck and shoulders.
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