Investigation – Supreme Court Reviews SIT Findings in Ghaziabad Child Murder Case
Investigation –The Supreme Court on Thursday examined the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report submitted in the Ghaziabad rape and murder case involving a four-year-old girl, while taking note of the panel’s recommendation to initiate action against the police officer who was responsible for the local police station at the time of the incident.
Court Examines SIT Recommendations
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that the findings pointed to a significant lapse in the handling of the investigation. During the proceedings, the court was informed that the Station House Officer (SHO) concerned had already been shifted to police lines following the recommendations made by the SIT.
The Chief Justice remarked that the matter reflected a serious failure in the discharge of official responsibilities and said the court intended to closely examine the contents of the investigation report before taking the next step. The Bench emphasized the need to carefully assess the findings presented by the special panel.
Background of the Case
The Supreme Court had previously constituted an all-women Special Investigation Team after expressing dissatisfaction with the initial police investigation. The court had also criticized the conduct of certain private hospitals that allegedly refused immediate medical treatment to the child when she was taken there following the incident.
According to the case record, the four-year-old girl was reportedly taken away by a neighbour under the pretext of buying chocolates. She was later discovered unconscious, leading to a case that drew widespread public concern and prompted judicial intervention over the quality of the investigation as well as the response of the authorities involved.
Uttar Pradesh Government Details Corrective Measures
Appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the Bench about several steps introduced after the incident to strengthen investigation procedures and improve public safety.
She stated that one of the key changes involved extending the preservation period of CCTV footage. While surveillance recordings were earlier retained for only around 15 days, the storage duration has now been increased to more than six months. According to the government, the longer retention period is expected to assist investigators by ensuring crucial digital evidence remains available whenever required.
The court was also told that safety awareness initiatives and preventive measures were being carried out in the locality where the incident occurred. These efforts are intended to enhance public vigilance and strengthen community-level safety mechanisms, particularly for children.
Victim’s Family Seeks Time to Review Report
Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, representing the victim’s father, requested additional time to study the SIT report before making detailed submissions before the court. Accepting the request, the Bench agreed to grant time for examination of the report.
The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter again next week, when it will hear further arguments after all parties have reviewed the findings of the Special Investigation Team. The upcoming hearing is likely to focus on the recommendations made by the SIT, the accountability of officials involved, and the effectiveness of the corrective measures presented before the court.
The case continues to be closely watched as it raises important questions about police investigations, institutional accountability, victim assistance, and measures aimed at improving child safety and preserving critical evidence during criminal investigations.