What Actions Are Being Taken After the Muzaffarpur Minor Rape Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Immediate medical attention is crucial for victims of assault.
- The formation of a high-level investigation committee indicates serious governmental acknowledgment of the issue.
- Systemic failures in healthcare and law enforcement need urgent reforms.
- Public outrage can lead to accountability and changes in policy.
- Justice for victims is a priority for civil society and activists.
Patna, June 3 (NationPress) In light of the profound outrage surrounding the demise of a Dalit minor girl, who was reportedly denied prompt medical care at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Bihar's Health Minister Mangal Pandey announced the establishment of a high-level investigative committee on Tuesday.
This tragic event has ignited fierce political responses, with increasing calls for accountability and the resignation of the Health Minister.
The minor, a victim of sexual assault in Muzaffarpur, was admitted to PMCH for urgent treatment. Alarmingly, she was allegedly left inside an ambulance for nearly four hours upon arrival, as there was no available bed.
Tragically, the girl later passed away due to her injuries.
In a press briefing, Health Minister Pandey stated, "A committee of three senior Directors in Chief, RN Chaudhary, BK Singh, and Pramod Kumar, has been formed. One team will investigate at SKMCH Muzaffarpur, while the second will collect information from PMCH Patna. Appropriate actions will follow their findings."
He further mentioned that the Muzaffarpur Police have apprehended the suspect, and the SSP has promised a swift trial within 15 days to ensure justice.
In spite of the announced actions, opposition parties have launched a fierce critique of the state government.
The Congress staged demonstrations, demanding Minister Pandey's resignation, while RJD criticized the incident as a grim indicator of Bihar's "deteriorated healthcare system and law and order situation".
Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor described the scenario as an illustration of "growing chaos and governmental negligence".
The opposition has claimed that the girl was first failed by law enforcement and subsequently by the Health Department, highlighting "systemic negligence and administrative indifference".
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also acknowledged the case, requesting reports from the Bihar DGP and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department regarding the Muzaffarpur sexual assault case involving the 10-year-old girl.
Members of civil society and social activists across Bihar are uniting in their calls for justice for the victims and essential reforms in public health infrastructure.