The Supreme Court on Friday intervened in the tragic case of the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad, directing the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to immediately constitute an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT). Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the local police’s “insensitive approach,” the bench ordered that the SIT be headed by a high-ranking officer to ensure a thorough and unbiased probe into the incident and the conduct of medical facilities involved.
The incident dates back to March 16, when a neighbor allegedly lured the four-year-old victim away under the guise of buying her chocolates. After the child failed to return, her father launched a search and discovered her lying unconscious and soaked in blood.
The case gained national attention due to the alleged negligence of both law enforcement and medical institutions. Despite the child’s critical condition, two private hospitals in Ghaziabad reportedly refused to admit her. She was eventually declared dead at a government hospital. The victim’s father approached the apex court seeking a court-monitored investigation by either an SIT or the CBI, citing a lack of faith in the Ghaziabad police.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the police, informed the bench that a chargesheet had already been filed and the trial had commenced.
However, the bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, remained critical of the initial handling of the case. On April 13, the court had already flagged the “reluctance” of the Ghaziabad police in even lodging an FIR. In a subsequent hearing on April 10, the court lambasted the “insensitive approach” of the local authorities.
Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the parents remained dissatisfied with the current status of the investigation. The court expressed particular dismay over the role of the two private hospitals that allegedly denied treatment to the bleeding child.
The bench, which also included Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, emphasized the need for a specialized and empathetic investigative body.
- Formation of SIT: The UP DGP must notify the SIT preferably by Friday or by 11:00 AM on Saturday.
- Composition: The team must consist of women police officers and be headed by an officer of the rank of Commissioner or Inspector General.
- Scope of Probe: The SIT is tasked with investigating the grievances raised by the parents and probing the role of the private hospitals that denied treatment.
- Stay on Trial: The bench directed the trial court to keep the ongoing proceedings in abeyance.
- Reporting: The SIT is required to file a supplementary report before the trial court within two weeks.
The court’s decision highlights a zero-tolerance policy toward procedural lapses in cases involving heinous crimes against children.
