Justice – Supreme Court Reviews SIT Findings in Ghaziabad Child Case
Justice – The Supreme Court on Thursday examined the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report related to the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad, while taking note of the recommendation to initiate action against the police station’s Station House Officer (SHO). The court indicated that it would carefully study the findings before deciding on the next course of action.
Court Examines SIT Findings
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that the allegations pointed to a significant failure in the handling of the investigation. During the hearing, the court was informed that the concerned SHO had already been shifted to police lines following the recommendations made by the SIT. The Chief Justice remarked that the matter involved a serious lapse and emphasized the need for the Bench to thoroughly review the report before passing any further directions.
Earlier Concerns Over Investigation
The Supreme Court had previously expressed strong dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation, describing it as inadequate. In response to those concerns, the court constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident. At the same time, the Bench had also criticized certain private hospitals for allegedly refusing to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured child, highlighting the responsibility of healthcare institutions during emergencies.
Case Background
According to the details placed before the court, the four-year-old girl was allegedly taken away by a neighbour who reportedly told her family that he was buying chocolates for the child. She was later discovered unconscious, leading to a criminal investigation that drew widespread public attention. The seriousness of the allegations prompted the Supreme Court to closely monitor the progress of the inquiry and seek accountability from the authorities involved.
State Highlights Corrective Measures
Appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court about several administrative and procedural changes introduced after the incident. She stated that the period for preserving CCTV footage has been extended from the earlier 15 days to more than six months. According to the state, this step is intended to improve the availability of evidence during criminal investigations.
The court was also informed that awareness and safety initiatives are being carried out in the affected locality with the aim of strengthening public security and reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future. These measures, the state submitted, form part of a broader effort to improve investigative standards and public safety.
Victim’s Family Seeks Time
Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, representing the victim’s father, requested additional time to examine the SIT report before making detailed submissions before the court. Accepting the request, the Bench deferred further proceedings and scheduled the matter for hearing next week.
The upcoming hearing is expected to focus on the findings of the SIT report, the recommended action against the concerned police officials, and the effectiveness of the corrective measures presented by the Uttar Pradesh government. The Supreme Court’s continued oversight reflects the importance attached to ensuring accountability, a fair investigation, and institutional improvements in cases involving crimes against children.