Muzaffarpur: The death of an 11-year-old Dalit girl, a victim of a brutal rape in Muzaffarpur, has sparked widespread outrage and led to swift government action, with senior health officials facing suspension and removal for alleged negligence. The girl, who endured horrific injuries and struggled for six days, died during treatment at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) on June 1.
The government on Tuesday suspended Dr Kumari Vibha, Superintendent of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), citing her failure to adhere to referral policy and improper performance of duty. She has been attached to the Health Department in Patna during her suspension. Additionally, the in-charge Deputy Superintendent of PMCH, Dr Abhijeet Singh, was removed from his post for administrative failure and not performing his duties properly.
The victim was reportedly raped on May 26, with the assailant inflicting severe injuries to her throat and chest, rendering her unable to speak. A poignant video circulating shows the girl, while being treated at SKMCH, struggling to communicate her pain by writing “cough” on a piece of paper. Her mother’s voice, also heard coughing, further highlights the distressing situation.
SKMCH Superintendent, Dr Vibha Kumari, maintained that the girl received proper treatment and no negligence occurred at her facility. She stated that bleeding from the neck vein was stopped through surgery, and two units of blood were transfused.
Following allegations of negligence during treatment, particularly at PMCH, Health Minister Mangal Pandey has ordered a high-level investigation. A committee comprising three senior officers—RN Chaudhary, BK Singh, and Pramod Kumar—will investigate the facts at both SKMCH Muzaffarpur and PMCH Patna, with strict action promised against those found guilty within 15 days.
The girl’s admission to PMCH on May 31 was delayed by four hours, with her remaining in an ambulance until Congress state president and party workers intervened.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the matter, issuing a notice to Bihar’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, seeking a report within two weeks.
The victim’s mother, distraught, expressed a desire for the accused to suffer a similar fate, stating, “Nothing will be achieved by hanging him. Just like my daughter was killed after torturing her, he will be killed in the same way. The accused should be handed over to us. He will also be killed after torturing him.”
In the aftermath of the girl’s death, villagers on Sunday night set fire to the house of the accused, Rohit Sahni, who lived near the crematorium. Rohit’s three sisters and parents are reportedly absconding. It has emerged that Rohit, who has been married twice, was also accused of raping his maternal uncle’s daughter 10 years ago, leading to his expulsion from the village.
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen assured a speedy trial, stating that the police would file a chargesheet as soon as the FSL report is received. He also announced a compensation of Rs 8,25,000 for the family, with the first installment of Rs 4,12,500 already paid. The remaining amount will be disbursed upon filing of the chargesheet. Additionally, the family will receive a monthly pension of Rs 7,750 and three months’ ration.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from opposition parties. Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, visited the victim’s family in Muzaffarpur, lambasting the Nitish government for the prevailing “atmosphere of anarchy” and rising crime across Bihar.
The Congress staged a “Halla Bol” protest march on Monday, demanding Health Minister Mangal Pandey’s resignation and clashing with police while attempting to reach the chief minister’s residence.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati also criticised the Nitish government, highlighting the “poor law and health system” in Bihar. Bhojpuri folk singer Neha Singh Rathore questioned the state government and the prime minister in a social media video, asking about the effectiveness of existing governance in Bihar.
