Introduction
A tragic incident in Bihar has sparked nationwide outrage after a 10-year-old rape victim died allegedly due to delayed medical attention at a state-run hospital in Patna. The girl, from the Dalit community, succumbed to her injuries at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Sunday morning. Her death has triggered widespread protests, political condemnation, and calls for accountability from human rights bodies.
Alleged Delay at Patna Medical College Hospital
The girl was raped on 26 May in Muzaffarpur district, allegedly by a neighbour. After being found with multiple stab wounds, she was first taken to a local facility and later transferred to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH). There, doctors stabilized her before referring her to PMCH for surgery on her windpipe.
Her uncle alleged that she was kept waiting in an ambulance for over four hours before being admitted. “They made us run around from department to department,” he said, holding hospital staff accountable for the critical delay.
Hospital Denies Negligence
Officials at PMCH denied the charges. Dr. I.S. Thakur, a hospital administrator, explained that due to the absence of an ICU in the ENT department, the child was moved to the gynecology ICU. “She arrived in an Advanced Life Support ambulance equipped for critical care. There was no delay,” he claimed.
Political Reactions and Public Protests
The incident quickly became a flashpoint in Bihar’s political landscape. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called the death “extremely shameful” and demanded action against negligent staff. A viral video showed Congress workers arguing with hospital staff, demanding emergency care for the girl. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) described the event as “Bihar’s shame.”
BJP spokesperson Anamika Singh Patel defended the system, saying, “Getting a hospital bed takes time. This was unfortunate, but our people are working responsibly.”
National Bodies Launch Inquiries
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and National Commission for Women (NCW) have both demanded investigations into the alleged delay and possible medical negligence. The girl’s identity is withheld as per Indian law protecting sexual assault victims.
Healthcare Crisis in Bihar
This tragedy comes amid long-standing concerns about Bihar’s healthcare infrastructure. A recent report cited by the Times of India found only half of government hospital ventilators in the state functional. Patna reportedly has one government doctor for every 11,500 residents — a ratio far worse in rural areas.
Just last month, a patient in a Patna hospital was bitten by a rat while asleep, further exposing the decaying healthcare system.
Community and Caste Context
The victim was from the Dalit community, historically marginalized and subjected to discrimination despite constitutional protections. This has amplified public anger, with civil society groups calling for justice not only for the victim but also for broader reforms in medical care and caste-based protections.
Conclusion
The tragic death of a 10-year-old rape victim in Bihar has become a stark reminder of systemic failures in India’s public health and justice mechanisms. As political pressure mounts and inquiries unfold, the nation watches closely for accountability and overdue reforms in protecting its most vulnerable.
