Supreme Court of India directed UP DGP to form SIT to probe Ghaziabad child rape murder case. Bench led by Surya Kant ordered immediate constitution with senior officer and women personnel.
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad. Taking note of the dissatisfaction expressed by the victim’s parents regarding the manner in which the local police handled the case, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that the SIT should be constituted without delay “either on Friday itself, preferably, or by 11 am on Saturday.”
The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, specified that the SIT must be headed by a senior officer of the rank of Commissioner or Inspector General and must include women police officers.
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The Court directed that the SIT would comprehensively examine all grievances raised by the victim’s family, including allegations relating to lapses in the initial investigation and the conduct of authorities.
Factual Backgrounds:
The case stems from a deeply disturbing incident reported on March 16, when the child was allegedly lured away by a neighbour on the pretext of offering chocolates. When she did not return home, her father began searching for her and later discovered her in an unconscious state, grievously injured and “soaked in blood.” She was subsequently taken for medical assistance but was later declared dead at a government hospital, triggering outrage over both the crime and the response of institutions.
Observations of Supreme Court:
During earlier hearings, the Supreme Court had expressed serious concern over the handling of the case by the Ghaziabad police. On April 13, the Court flagged the “reluctance” of the police in promptly registering an FIR and conducting an effective investigation. It also criticised what it described as an “insensitive approach” by the authorities in dealing with the case, particularly given the gravity of the allegations.
Another significant aspect of the case relates to the alleged refusal by two private hospitals in Ghaziabad to admit the injured child when she was in urgent need of medical care. The Court took note of these allegations and directed the SIT to also investigate the role of these hospitals in denying treatment, which may have had serious consequences for the victim.
The order was passed while hearing a plea filed by the victim’s father, who sought a court-monitored investigation either through an SIT or by the Central Bureau of Investigation. During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the State, informed the Court that a chargesheet had already been filed and that the trial had commenced. However, the Court deemed it necessary to ensure a more thorough and impartial investigation in light of the concerns raised.
The Supreme Court further directed that the SIT must submit a supplementary report to the concerned trial court within two weeks. Until then, the trial court has been asked to keep the ongoing proceedings in abeyance. The directions reflect the Court’s intent to ensure accountability, address investigative lapses, and restore confidence in the justice delivery process in a case involving serious allegations and procedural concerns.