Crime – Supreme Court to Hear Ghaziabad Child Case Probe Plea April 24

Crime – The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on April 24 regarding a petition seeking an independent investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad last month.

Petition Seeks Independent Investigation

The plea has been filed by the victim’s father, who has urged the court to transfer the investigation either to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petitioner has expressed concerns over the handling of the case and has requested that the probe be conducted under the court’s supervision to ensure transparency and accountability.

The matter was listed before a bench headed by the Chief Justice, along with another judge, where initial submissions were made by the petitioner’s legal representative. During the proceedings, the court examined the progress of the investigation and raised questions regarding the documentation submitted so far.

Concerns Over Chargesheet Transparency

During the hearing, the bench sought clarification on whether the petitioner’s counsel had access to the complete chargesheet filed in the case. The senior advocate representing the petitioner informed the court that certain portions of the document provided to him were obscured, raising concerns about transparency in the investigation process.

In response, the legal representative appearing for the police assured the court that the full, unredacted version of the chargesheet would be made available to the petitioner’s counsel. This assurance was noted by the bench, which then decided to take up the matter again later in the week.

Court Flags Initial Delay in FIR

The case has already drawn the attention of the court due to earlier concerns about delays in registering a First Information Report (FIR). During a previous hearing held on April 13, the bench had pointed out what it described as reluctance on the part of the local police in promptly initiating formal proceedings.

Such delays in sensitive cases involving minors have been a recurring issue highlighted by courts in recent years, often prompting calls for stricter adherence to legal procedures and faster response mechanisms.

Chargesheet Filed Under POCSO Provisions

It was also brought to the court’s notice that a chargesheet dated April 3 had already been submitted by the investigating agency. The document reportedly includes enhanced provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deals with crimes against minors and prescribes stringent penalties.

The concerned trial court has taken cognisance of the chargesheet, marking a formal step forward in the judicial process. However, the petitioner continues to seek a more independent probe, citing concerns over the fairness and thoroughness of the investigation conducted so far.

Next Hearing Set for April 24

After considering the submissions from both sides, the bench stated that it would revisit the matter on April 24. The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on whether further directions are required, including the possibility of transferring the investigation to another agency.

The case remains under close judicial scrutiny, with the court emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent process. As proceedings continue, the outcome of the hearing may have implications not only for this case but also for how similar investigations are handled in the future.