Amazon and Flipkart notified by DCW for selling dangerous acids online

Amazon and Walmart’s Flipkart have received notices from an Indian government body asking why dangerous acids are available on their sites after a schoolgirl suffered an acid attack.

The Delhi Commission for Women, a local body that deals with women’s issues, said in the notice that it had learned that the accused in the acid attack purchased the material from Flipkart of Walmart.

In a similar notice to Amazon and Flipkart, the commission asked the two companies to explain the reasons for the acid’s availability and name the sellers who were selling the products on their e-commerce sites.

“The easy availability of acid on online platforms is a matter of serious concern and needs to be checked as a matter of urgency,” the commission said in the notice.

Reuters could not immediately corroborate whether the acid was available on the two e-commerce sites. Spokespersons for Flipkart and Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.

Local media reported on Thursday that a 17-year-old schoolgirl was hospitalized with severe burns after three men attacked her with acid. The three men were arrested by police in the Indian capital. Delhi Police had also sent a notice to Flipkart after discovering that the acid had been purchased from the e-commerce company.

Meanwhile, Flipkart said in its statement, “We strongly condemn this unfortunate incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. The Flipkart marketplace platform closely monitors and removes products that violate expected standards.

“Strict action is being taken against sellers who sell illegal, dangerous and prohibited products. The seller concerned has been blacklisted and we fully support the authorities concerned in their investigation.”

DCW has also asked the portals for details of the steps taken to remove restricted items, including acid, from the online portal. Portals have been asked to provide the information by December 20.