The Supreme Court has sharply criticised two private hospitals and their medical staff in Ghaziabad for their alleged failure to provide timely and adequate medical attention to a four-year-old girl who subsequently died after being a victim of rape and murder in March.
The apex court, during its proceedings on Friday, also directed the hospitals to provide reasonable compensation to the victim’s family. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned the conduct of the medical professionals, stating, “You have no business writing ‘doctor’ if you do not perform your duty. If you had sensitivity, you would have gone with the child to the other hospital if you did not have a facility… You ignored because she was poor? Couldn’t afford your fee?” The court has scheduled further hearings on the matter for the following week.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the bench was hearing a petition lodged by the victim’s father, who works as a daily wager. He is seeking a court-monitored investigation into the case, preferably by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on March 16, when the victim was allegedly lured away by a neighbour under the guise of offering chocolates. When the child did not return home, her father initiated a search. He subsequently discovered her in an unconscious state, severely injured and bleeding. Reports indicate that the two private medical facilities, identified as Khajan Singh Mannvi Health Care and St Joseph (Mariam) Hospital, allegedly denied the child admission. Following these rejections, she was taken to a government hospital in Ghaziabad, where medical professionals pronounced her dead.
This development follows earlier concerns raised by the Supreme Court. In April, the apex court had already highlighted the perceived reluctance of the Ghaziabad Police in registering a First Information Report (FIR) and commencing a thorough investigation into the case.
In response to the gravity of the situation and the initial handling of the case, the Supreme Court had, on April 24, ordered a comprehensive probe. This investigation was mandated to be conducted by an all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT), to be led by an officer holding the rank of Commissioner of Police or Inspector General of Police.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
