Outrage in India After 10-Year-Old Rape Victim Dies Amid Alleged Medical Delay

A 10-year-old girl who was raped in the eastern Indian state of Bihar has died, sparking widespread outrage over alleged delays in her medical treatment.

She passed away on Sunday at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), a leading government hospital in Bihar’s capital.

Her family claims she was left waiting in an ambulance for nearly four hours on Saturday before doctors admitted her. The hospital has denied this, calling the claims “baseless.”

Wider Impact and Reaction

The child’s death has made national headlines, drawing strong criticism of Bihar’s BJP-JD(U)-led coalition government. Opposition leaders have accused the government of negligence, while officials have denied any wrongdoing.

The girl belonged to the Dalit community, which faces deep-rooted discrimination in India despite legal protections.

Following public outrage, both the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women have demanded an investigation into the hospital’s handling of the case.

Timeline of Events

The girl was raped on 26 May in Muzaffarpur, allegedly by a man who lived near her aunt’s home. She had gone missing while playing and was later found injured near a roadside. Police said she had multiple stab wounds.

Initially, she was taken to a nearby hospital, and then shifted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), about 85 km from Patna. Doctors there stabilized her condition before transferring her to PMCH for further treatment.

Kumari Vibha, the superintendent of SKMCH, confirmed the child had severe injuries to her chest and neck but was stable when she left their care.

Justice and Accountability

Police have arrested the accused, and an investigation is ongoing. Due to Indian law, the identity of rape victims — especially minors — is not made public.

The incident has reignited concerns over both women’s safety and systemic issues in India’s healthcare and justice systems. Many are calling for accountability, not only for the crime itself but also for the apparent failure to provide timely care to a young victim.