In a deeply disturbing case from Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court of India has issued a sharp rebuke to the state police, questioning their conduct in the investigation of a four-year-old child’s death following alleged sexual assault.
Calling out “serious lapses” and “lack of humanity,” the court has summoned senior police officials, including the Commissioner of Ghaziabad, to appear in person and explain the sequence of events and actions taken.
Incident That Triggered National Shock
The case dates back to March 16, when a minor girl from a labourer’s family was allegedly lured away by a neighbour on the pretext of buying chocolate. Hours later, she was found unconscious and critically injured.
Her family rushed her to two private hospitals, but both reportedly refused admission. She was eventually taken to a government facility, where doctors declared her dead.
What followed, however, became the focal point of the court’s concern—not just the crime, but the response of the system.
Allegations of Police Inaction and Misconduct
According to submissions made before the court, the family alleged that instead of receiving immediate support, they faced delays and alleged mistreatment.
The FIR was registered a day after the incident
Initial charges reportedly did not include provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act
Serious allegations of assault were not immediately reflected in the complaint
These gaps prompted the court to question whether due procedure and sensitivity were followed in such a critical case.
Court Questions Police Version of Encounter
The court also raised concerns over the police account of events after the accused was arrested.
Authorities claimed that the accused opened fire while being taken for recovery of evidence, leading to a retaliatory shooting. However, the bench questioned how a person in custody could have access to a firearm.
This inconsistency has become a key point of scrutiny in the ongoing proceedings.
Video Evidence Adds New Dimension
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel presented video evidence suggesting that the child may have still been alive at a certain stage, contradicting official claims.
The bench, reportedly disturbed by the visuals, observed that both institutional response and medical handling required closer examination.
Notices have been issued to:
●State authorities
●Concerned police officials
●Private hospitals involved
Court Signals Independent Probe
Given the gravity of the allegations, the Supreme Court of India indicated that the case may be handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under court supervision or even to a central agency.
The court has also directed that:
●The victim’s identity must remain strictly protected
●The family should not face any harassment
●Officials must appear before the court on the next hearing date
A Case That Raises Larger Questions
This case has once again brought attention to critical issues:
Police response in sensitive crimes
Medical emergency handling by private hospitals
Accountability in cases involving minors
The observations from the apex court underline a broader concern—whether systems meant to protect the vulnerable are responding with urgency, sensitivity, and responsibility.
