Patna: The political temperature in Bihar has risen sharply after the tragic death of an 11-year-old Dalit rape victim in Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), prompting widespread anger and public protests. On Wednesday, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram, along with an 11-member delegation, met Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum demanding justice and support for the victim’s family.
Ram alleged that the Bihar government and local administration had failed in both protecting the girl and ensuring timely medical care. “We have asked for a special session of the Bihar Assembly to discuss this matter,” he said. The Congress has demanded financial compensation for the family, a government job for the victim’s mother based on her qualifications, and state-sponsored education for the girl’s two brothers. The Governor has reportedly assured the delegation that he will take up the matter and that the family will receive necessary help.
The child was attacked on May 26 in Muzaffarpur after being raped. Her throat and chest were brutally slashed, leaving her unable to speak. Though she was referred to PMCH in Patna for emergency treatment, she reportedly remained without a bed for over four hours. Rajesh Ram rushed to the hospital to help, even trying to contact Bihar’s Health Minister, Mangal Pandey, but claimed his calls went unanswered. The girl eventually died during treatment on June 1.
Public fury has since spilled onto the streets. The Bihar Congress burnt effigies of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Health Minister Mangal Pandey on Sunday, demanding their resignations. Women party workers joined the protest with bangles in hand—a symbolic gesture of protest against inaction. A “Halla Bol March” by Congress on Monday was stopped by police near Raja Pul, leading to the detention of Youth Congress leaders. National attention was drawn to the case when Rahul Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the government’s failure and vowing that justice would be pursued for the victim’s family.
