What Actions Are Being Taken in Response to the Death of a Dalit Girl in Muzaffarpur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Outrage over the tragic death of an 11-year-old Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur.
- Political leaders demand justice and compensation for the victim's family.
- Protests across Bihar have highlighted systemic failures in healthcare.
- Government forms investigation committee in response to public pressure.
- Importance of addressing healthcare reform and accountability.
Patna, June 4 (NationPress) The outrage surrounding the heartbreaking demise of an 11-year-old Dalit girl from Muzaffarpur has escalated. Delegations from the Congress and Jan Suraaj Party delivered memorandums to Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Wednesday, seeking stringent action and financial support for the family of the rape victim.
The young girl tragically passed away after allegedly being denied prompt medical treatment for her stab wounds and other injuries at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on June 1.
During her ordeal, the child was left in an ambulance for nearly four hours, suffering in the oppressive heat before being admitted to the hospital.
She ultimately succumbed to her injuries, which are being attributed to severe medical negligence.
A delegation led by Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram met with the Governor at Raj Bhavan to voice their protest against the injustice faced by the minor.
Ram formally demanded immediate action against those accountable, adequate compensation for the bereaved family, and systemic reforms to avert such tragedies in the future.
In a statement to IANS, Ram mentioned: “We met with the Governor, who assured us that justice will be served. He condemned the incident, emphasizing that such crimes have no place in a civilized society. We highlighted that the deceased girl’s mother is in profound sorrow and deserves proper compensation.”
The incident has sparked widespread protests throughout Bihar, with opposition leaders from the RJD, Congress, and Jan Suraaj Party organizing demonstrations.
Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, has pointed fingers at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's administration, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Mangal Pandey.
In light of mounting public and political pressure, Minister Pandey has established a three-member high-level investigation committee to look into the matter.
The Health Department has initiated disciplinary actions based on initial findings.
Dr. Abhijeet Singh, Deputy Superintendent of PMCH, has been relieved of his duties, while Dr. Vibha Kumari, Superintendent of SKMCH (Muzaffarpur), has been suspended and directed to report to the Patna headquarters during her suspension.
Ram dismissed these actions as insufficient, questioning the sincerity of the Nitish Kumar government's response to this grave crime and its aftermath.
“Such measures do not equate to punishment. Once this case fades, they will likely return to their positions. If the government had truly terminated them, that would be a real consequence,” Ram stated.
Additionally, Jan Suraaj Party’s state president Manoj Bharti also submitted a memorandum to the Bihar Governor, advocating for justice for the victim’s family.
The tragic demise of the Dalit girl has become a significant point of contention in Bihar’s political landscape, especially as the state prepares for the Assembly elections in 2025, with opposition parties intensifying their scrutiny of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government.