Why is Congress Protesting for a Second Day Over Muzaffarpur Rape Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protests highlight systemic healthcare failures.
- Calls for accountability from government officials.
- Criticism of caste-based discrimination in justice responses.
- Importance of reform in the healthcare system.
- Need for public trust in law enforcement and medical institutions.
Patna, June 2 (NationPress) For the second day in a row, the Bihar Congress has organized protests regarding the Muzaffarpur rape case, where a 10-year-old Dalit girl tragically passed away, allegedly due to medical negligence at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH).
The party has escalated its calls for the resignation of State Health Minister Mangal Pandey, accusing the state’s “double engine government” of serious negligence.
State Congress president Rajesh Ram criticized the hospital administration for its inhumane treatment.
“The victim was left in an ambulance with a malfunctioning AC for over four hours. When we arrived at the hospital demanding action, it took another hour before they agreed to admit her. This is blatant negligence on the part of PMCH. The Health Minister, Mangal Pandey, must resign,” the Congress party asserted.
Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav strongly condemned the actions of both the hospital and the administration.
“The doctors acted like executioners, and the administration mirrored this behavior. A critically injured rape victim was neglected for four hours. No assistance or consolation was provided by the police or political figures,” he remarked.
The Purnea MP also accused the ruling party of caste-based discrimination, suggesting that the responses to crimes or negligence often depend on the caste of those involved.
“When the accused belongs to their caste, the leaders of the ruling parties do not bring attention to the case publicly,” Yadav claimed.
Krishna Allavaru, the All India Congress Committee in-charge for Bihar, supported the party’s view, labeling the Bihar government’s claims of “good governance” as empty.
“The girl fought for care for hours, yet the system failed her, from law enforcement to medical staff to the administration. This is not only a failure for Bihar but a disgrace for the entire nation,” said Allavaru.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders clashed with Patna police during protests near PMCH and in various locations statewide, continuing their demonstration until accountability is ensured.
During the protest, Congress leaders attempted to breach makeshift barricades.
The 10-year-old victim was sexually assaulted by an individual in a village under the jurisdiction of Kurhani block on May 25. The district police apprehended the accused and charged him under the POCSO Act and for murder.