Crime – Supreme Court Questions Police Response in Ghaziabad Child Case
Crime – The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns over how the Ghaziabad police handled the investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl, pointing to delays and hesitation in registering a formal complaint and pursuing the case effectively.
Court Seeks Accountability from Police Authorities
During a hearing on Monday, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as a lack of urgency by the local police. The judges directed authorities to provide a copy of the charge sheet to the victim’s family without delay, underlining the family’s right to access case-related documents.
Representing the police, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that a charge sheet had already been filed on April 3. The case has been registered under stricter provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, indicating the seriousness of the allegations.
Questions Raised Over Medical Response
The court also turned its attention to the role of two private hospitals—Khajan Singh Mannvi Health Care and St Joseph Hospital—which allegedly refused to treat the child. The bench instructed both institutions to submit affidavits addressing the accusations made against them.
Legal counsel for the victim’s family argued that the child’s chances of survival could have improved if immediate medical care had been provided. The submission emphasized that no hospital is permitted to deny treatment in such critical situations, especially when a victim’s life is at risk.
Background of the Incident
According to investigators, the incident took place on March 16 when the child was reportedly taken away by a neighbor under the pretense of buying chocolates. When she failed to return home, her father began searching for her and later discovered her in an unconscious state, severely injured.
The case quickly drew attention due to the brutality of the crime and the alleged lapses in both policing and medical response. The victim’s father, a daily wage worker, subsequently approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation monitored by the judiciary.
Plea for Independent Investigation
The father’s petition has called for the formation of a special investigation team or the involvement of the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure a fair and transparent probe. His legal representatives have also alleged that there may have been attempts to shield certain parties, particularly the hospitals named in the case.
Senior Advocate N Hariharan, appearing on behalf of the family, stressed the importance of accountability at every level. He argued that delays in both reporting and treatment may have compounded the tragedy.
Court’s Earlier Observations
This is not the first time the Supreme Court has voiced concern over the matter. In a previous hearing on April 10, the bench had already criticized the police for what it termed an “insensitive” approach to the case. The judges had indicated that such conduct undermines public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
Next Steps in the Case
After hearing submissions from all sides, the court noted that a status report had been filed by the police. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing next week, where the court is expected to review additional details, including responses from the hospitals and progress in the investigation.
The case continues to highlight critical gaps in emergency response, investigative procedures, and victim support mechanisms, raising broader questions about systemic accountability.