Patna: An 11-year-old rape victim from Muzaffarpur was left in agonizing pain, reportedly writhing in an ambulance outside Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) for eight hours on Friday without being admitted. The shocking delay sparked outrage, with authorities offering conflicting explanations.
Hospital Cites “Investigation” for Delay
When questioned about the victim’s lack of admission, PMCH Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ashok Kumar Jha stated, “We are investigating in the ambulance.” This explanation drew criticism as the severely injured child, who had been referred from SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, arrived at PMCH by ambulance at 11 AM.
The girl was brutally raped on Monday, May 26. Following the assault, her throat was slit and her chest ripped open. SKMCH, acknowledging the severity of her injuries and lack of adequate facilities, transferred her to PMCH for advanced care.
Political Outcry and Family’s Ordeal
Upon learning of the incident, Bihar Congress state president Rajesh Ram rushed to PMCH. He reported attempting to contact Health Minister Mangal Pandey, but his calls went unanswered. “When the victim came to PMCH, instead of admitting her, she is being taken to different wards. Sometimes it is being said that there is no bed, sometimes it is being said that the ICU is not vacant,” Ram stated, expressing his dismay. He urged the government to ensure proper treatment at PMCH or arrange for air ambulance transfer for specialized care elsewhere.
The victim’s uncle recounted their harrowing experience: “We were referred to PMCH from SKMCH, Muzaffarpur. We were told that there is no better arrangement for treatment there. So come here, but after coming here we are facing a lot of trouble.” He added, “We are being made to run here and there. Now her oxygen is also about to finish. When we talked about the oxygen cylinder here, we were told that they will give it only if we take 2000 rupees. Where will we poor people get so much money from?”
Gruesome Attack and Arrest
The horrific attack on the 11-year-old occurred on May 26 when a fish seller, Rohit Sahni (30) of Kudhni police station area, allegedly abducted her from near her house and took her about 1 km away. After the rape, he attempted to murder her, slitting her throat by approximately an inch and further attacking her chest and stomach with a sharp weapon.
The girl’s slippers and clothes, along with a blade, were recovered from a cornfield 500 meters from the incident site. The victim’s condition is so critical that she cannot speak, communicating with her family through gestures. During her initial treatment at SKMCH, she gestured to indicate the sexual assault.
The accused, Rohit Sahni, was arrested by police late Monday night following the incident and underwent a medical examination. The focus now remains on the victim’s critical condition and the urgent need for appropriate medical intervention.
