The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to constitute a three-member, all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad last month, citing serious concerns over the investigation conducted so far.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi ordered that the SIT be headed by a senior woman officer of the rank of Commissioner of Police or IG/SP from the Uttar Pradesh cadre but without roots in the state, along with two other women officers of the ranks of SP/Additional SP and DSP/Inspector.
The directions were passed on a petition filed by the victim’s father seeking a court-monitored probe by either an SIT or the Central Bureau of Investigation. The petitioner alleged that local police had coerced him into giving statements consistent with a disputed FIR.
Taking note of these allegations, the Court stayed the ongoing trial and instructed the SIT to carry out an independent investigation and examine all issues raised by the victim’s parents, including concerns over the investigation and the alleged role of two private hospitals accused of denying treatment to the injured child. It was further asked to ensure protection for key witnesses.
The SIT should be constituted without delay, preferably by Friday or by 11 a.m. on Saturday, ordered the Court, adding that it should submit a supplementary report before the trial court within two weeks. Until then, the trial court would keep further proceedings on hold, added the Bench.
During the hearing, it was informed on behalf of the police that a charge sheet has already been filed and trial proceedings had commenced. The Apex Court observed that appropriate action would follow based on its findings.
The incident took place on March 16, 2026, when the girl was allegedly lured by a neighbour. She was later found in a field in an unconscious state. Her family claimed that she was alive when discovered; however, two private hospitals refused to admit her. The child was eventually taken to MMG District Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.
During the hearing, it was stated that the investigation had lapses, including coercion of the victim’s father and attempts to shield the hospitals. Questions were also raised on why the police sought to record a statement under Section 164 CrPC despite claiming that the investigation was complete and a charge sheet had already been filed.
The Court clarified that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations or the defences put forward by the hospitals, leaving all issues to be independently examined by the SIT. It also directed that a compliance affidavit be filed by the head of the SIT upon completion of the investigation and disposed of the plea.
Earlier, the Court had expressed shock over reports that the child was denied emergency medical care despite being alive. It also raised concerns over the handling of the case by the Ghaziabad Police, including delay in registration of the FIR, the manner of investigation and omission of charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. It also flagged the police’s version of events, including claims relating to the accused.
The post Supreme Court mandates all-women SIT probe into Ghaziabad minor murder case appeared first on India Legal.