Hyundai Creta, Mini Cooper & Tata Tigor attacked with acid: Latest form of vandalism in India

Vandalism in India is quite common. Street sign boards, roads even solar panels and lights on the roads are subjected to vandalism due to various reasons. However, the act is not limited to these things. There are many cases of car vandalism in India and the most common being plucking out the logos of the vehicles, especially the expensive ones. A new way of car vandalism has come up in the Vasant Kunj area of Delhi which has caused damage to several vehicles including a Mini Cooper S.

Acid attack on cars

According to a thread on Team-BHP, a few cars parked in residential parking in the posh area of Delhi, several cars were attacked with acid or some other similar chemical at night. A few cars including vehicles like a MINI Cooper S, Tata Tigor and Hyundai Creta were attacked. The real reason behind the attack is not known but according to the post, it could be a dispute of parking. No CCTV cameras were installed in the parking slot that could reveal the identity of the culprits or the motive behind the attack. Due to the limited space in Delhi, many residents have to park on the roads and there are many who don’t have a fixed parking space, which causes disputes.

The paint of the cars attacked with the acid or a similar chemical can be seen peeling off from the body. The attackers have not hot hit the vehicle or harmed them but have simply put the liquid on the roof of the vehicles. Since most modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that can trigger the alarm of the vehicle, the attackers must have chosen the way to damage the vehicles without getting detected at all. Putting the liquid on any car would not trigger the car’s alarm.

The exact liquid used by the attackers is not known but apart from acid, the attackers could have used paint removal sprays or brake fluid. Both of these are available easily in the markets and online without much trouble. All the three chemicals can have the same effect on the vehicles and cause the paint to simply peel off causing great damage to the vehicle. Only repainting is an option to repair such damage.

Can you save the vehicle from such damages?

The only way to save the vehicle from damages is to park them inside a secure perimeter. Parking a vehicle inside a secure complex, preferably inside covered parking will ensure the maximum safety of the vehicle. However, in over congested cities like Delhi, space is a major problem and most families own more than one car, which further makes it difficult to find secure space to park the vehicles. Aftermarket coating like ceramic coatings has not been tested against such abrasive chemicals so we cannot say if any kind of coating will help to keep the vehicle’s paint unaffected from such chemicals. Also, the plastic body covers have not been tested against any such kind of fluids.

How can you identify the culprits?

The only way to identify such culprits is to install CCTV cameras around the parking areas at different angles. Also, there are high-tech dashboard cameras available in the market that starts recording as soon as they sense motion. Such dashboard cameras mounted on the front and rear windscreens can be helpful in identifying the culprits.

Insurance money?

Such acts of vandalism are covered under most insurance policies but you will need to check the policy for clarity and details. However, registering an FIR in the nearest police station should be done if the vehicle is attacked in such a way. Insurance companies often ask for FIR in such extreme cases. This is not the first time that such attacks have happened in Delhi. In the past, people have reported similar attacks on their parked vehicles.