Chhapaak (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Malti was attacked because Basheer 'Babbu' Khan, a family acquaintance, was motivated by jealousy. His sister-in-law Parveen Shaikh aided him in carrying out the cruel assault on Malti in April 2005.

• acid attack
• malti
• babbu khan
• jealousy
• parveen

Malti was attacked by Basheer 'Babbu' Khan, who was a family acquaintance, and his sister-in-law Parveen Shaikh. Both were known to Malti and her family, making the betrayal particularly devastating.

• acid attacker
• babbu khan
• parveen shaikh
• malti

Babbu was granted bail initially because acid attacks were treated under the same penal code as water-boarding, resulting in shockingly lenient punishments. This lenient approach allowed him to return to his life temporarily, though it only strengthened Malti's resolve to fight for justice.

• babbu bail
• acid attack law
• legal system
• court

Malti's advocacy led to a historic victory as the penal code was revised to recognize the severity of acid attacks. This change represented a major legal reform that categorized acid attacks as separate, serious crimes rather than treating them under less severe classifications.

• legal reform
• penal code
• acid attack law
• malti advocacy

In August 2009, Basheer 'Babbu' Khan was sentenced to ten years in prison and Parveen Shaikh received a seven-year term. Both appealed their convictions, but in October 2013, the Delhi High Court dismissed Babbu's appeal, ensuring he remained imprisoned.

• sentence
• ten years
• seven years
• babbu
• parveen
• high court

Malti's brother Rohit received a heartbreaking diagnosis of advanced intestinal tuberculosis during the time Malti was fighting her legal battle. This added additional emotional strain to Malti and her family during an already challenging period.

• rohit
• tuberculosis
• brother
• family

Amol Dwivedi was already a dedicated advocate for acid attack survivors when investigative journalist Alka introduced him to Malti. Amol offered Malti a position at his organization, and over time, their shared commitment to the cause deepened into a profound bond, with Amol's love becoming a symbol of hope for Malti.

• amol
• malti
• relationship
• advocate
• love

The film closes with another acid attack occurring in December 2013, serving as a stark reminder that despite stricter laws and Malti's historic legal victory, acid violence continues unabated. This bittersweet ending highlights the persistent issue of acid availability on the black market in India.

• ending
• december 2013
• acid violence
• continued attacks

During Malti's recovery, her mother found work with a man named Shiraz and skillfully utilized her connections to help finance Malti's numerous grueling surgeries needed to reconstruct her ravaged face.

• mother
• shiraz
• medical expenses
• surgery

Archana Bajaj was a seasoned attorney who joined Malti's fight as a dedicated legal champion. She aimed to shed light on the outdated laws that enabled these atrocities and worked alongside Malti to build a robust case and push for significant legal reforms.

• archana bajaj
• attorney
• lawyer
• legal case

Malti transformed into a passionate advocate after being granted bail, which only strengthened her resolve. She teamed up with her attorney Archana Bajaj to prepare a petition demanding vital legal reforms, eventually galvanizing support to secure funds for treatment and legal action for other acid attack survivors.

• advocate
• survivor
• acid attack survivors
• activism

Malti's relentless advocacy led to national recognition as she became the face of acid attack survivors in India. Her influence expanded over the years, inspiring many with her story and leading to increased awareness and funding for other acid attack victims.

• recognition
• face of survivors
• inspiration
• advocacy