Patna/New Delhi, June 2: National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Monday condemned the "gross negligence and systemic failures" that led to the death of a 10-year-old Dalit rape victim in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur. The minor, who suffered brutal injuries, was reportedly kept waiting in an ambulance for over four hours without receiving timely medical care.
Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, Rahatkar directed Bihar's Chief Secretary and Director General of Police-DGP to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. She also demanded immediate action against those responsible and sought a detailed action-taken report within three days.
Meanwhile, RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav hit out at the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, accusing it of "administrative anarchy" and a complete breakdown of law and order.
“No one from the government has visited the victim’s family. The CM and both Deputy CMs are busy with political programmes,” Yadav said, addressing the media. “The double-engine government has failed. The CM hasn’t even acknowledged the incident, and I doubt if he’s aware of the situation on the ground.”
The incident dates back to May 26, when the child was first admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur with severe neck and internal injuries after being allegedly raped. She was later referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where she died.
Dr Abhijit Singh, in-charge Superintendent of PMCH, stated that upon her arrival in Patna, the girl was examined in the ambulance before being shifted to the ICU. “Doctors from multiple departments treated her through the night,” he said.
However, the victim's uncle, Virendra Paswan, alleged gross medical negligence. “We waited for two hours in the ambulance before she was admitted. Only after people created a ruckus was she taken in around 4 PM. There was no proper arrangement. She was uneasy and cried the entire night. The doctors gave her sleeping medication. By 8 AM, she was gone,” he told ANI.
Paswan also claimed that he had to spend Rs 25,000 at the government hospital and alleged that the girl had been lured by the accused with chocolates before being taken to a maize field and raped.
Dr Singh has denied all allegations of negligence by the hospital staff.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for greater accountability and protection for vulnerable children in the state.
