Supreme Court Reviews SIT Recommendations in Ghaziabad Child Rape-Murder Case
The Supreme Court of India has intensified its scrutiny of a tragic case involving the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. On Thursday, the Court took cognizance of the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) findings, which suggest disciplinary action against the Station House Officer (SHO) involved in the investigation [XXX v. State of Uttar Pradesh].
The judicial review was conducted by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. It was disclosed during the session that the implicated SHO has been reassigned to police lines following the SIT’s recommendations.
“This is a grave oversight, and we must thoroughly examine the SIT report,” remarked CJI Surya Kant during the proceedings. The Supreme Court had previously established an all-women SIT to delve into the case, having expressed strong disapproval of the initial police inquiry and criticized private hospitals for allegedly denying medical attention to the victim.
State of Uttar Pradesh’s Response to SIT’s Findings
Representing the State of Uttar Pradesh, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati briefed the Court on the corrective measures implemented post-SIT intervention. She reported that the retention period for CCTV footage in the area has been extended from 15 days to over six months, aligning with SIT recommendations.
ASG Bhati also noted that safety audits are being conducted in the neighborhood to avert its development into a high-crime area. On the victim’s family’s behalf, Senior Advocate N Hariharan requested time to analyze the SIT report prior to presenting further arguments.
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After examining the report and the State’s submissions, the Court scheduled the case for further discussion in the coming week.
Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings
The tragic episode occurred on March 16, when the child was allegedly lured by a neighbor under the guise of purchasing chocolate. Upon their failure to return, a search was initiated, ultimately leading to the child being discovered in a grievous state. The Court had previously recorded that private hospitals denied her urgent care, resulting in her death at the Ghaziabad district hospital.
The Court expressed its discontent with the police’s handling of the case, noting that the victim’s family faced physical intimidation and threats of silence. An FIR was only filed on March 17, with initial charges under sections akin to 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Notably, no charges were filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) or Section 376, despite the apparent nature of the crime.
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The accused was apprehended on March 18, as observed by the Bench. The Supreme Court condemned the “complete indifference” exhibited by the police, mandating an SIT probe to ensure justice.
Supreme Court’s Directive for Further Investigation
Addressing the allegations, the Court expressed confidence in the necessity of an SIT inquiry and issued notices to the two private hospitals implicated in refusing treatment. Additionally, the Court mandated the protection of the child’s and her family’s identities by ordering all identifying information to be redacted.
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