Breaking News
NCW Demands Probe After Bihar Rape Victim Dies in Ambulance Delay
Muzaffarpur, India, June 2, 2025 – A tragic case in Bihar has sparked outrage after a 14-year-old Dalit girl, a rape victim, died waiting over four hours in an ambulance for medical care. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped in, demanding a swift investigation into what it calls “gross negligence” and “systemic failures.” The incident has exposed deep flaws in Bihar’s healthcare system and fueled calls for justice.
What Happened to the Victim
The heartbreaking ordeal unfolded in Muzaffarpur:
- Victim: A 14-year-old Dalit girl, brutally raped and stabbed on May 26, 2025.
- Timeline:
- 6:30 PM: Reached a local hospital in critical condition after the assault.
- 7:00 PM: Referred to Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), 80 km away, due to inadequate facilities.
- 7:15 PM–11:30 PM: Ambulance waited outside PMCH, unable to secure an ICU bed due to delays and negligence.
- 11:45 PM: Declared dead on arrival, her condition worsened without timely care.
The delay cost the young girl her life, leaving a community in shock.
NCW’s Call to Action
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar issued stern orders:
- 72-Hour Deadline: Bihar’s Chief Secretary and DGP must submit a detailed report on actions taken.
- FIR and Trial: File a case against the rapists and ensure a fast-track POCSO court trial.
- Ambulance Probe: Investigate why emergency protocols failed, including hospital and police roles.
- Compensation: Provide ₹10 lakh to the victim’s family for their loss and suffering.
The NCW’s demands aim to hold authorities accountable and deliver justice.
Bihar’s Healthcare in Crisis
The tragedy highlights systemic gaps:
- Ambulance Shortage: Bihar has roughly one ICU ambulance per five lakh people, far below national standards.
- Referral Delays: Over 60% of rural patients face waits of three hours or more for specialized care, per health reports.
- POCSO Backlog: Bihar’s courts are clogged with over 9,000 pending child sexual abuse cases, slowing justice.
These issues paint a grim picture of healthcare and safety for vulnerable groups.
Political Storm Erupts
The incident has ignited fierce reactions:
- Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “Nitish Kumar’s so-called good governance has failed our daughters.”
- The BJP called for President’s Rule in Bihar, citing a collapse in law and order.
- Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced ₹5 lakh ex-gratia for the family but offered no clear plan to fix systemic issues.
The political blame game is intensifying as citizens demand real change.
How People Can Make a Difference
Communities are rallying to act:
- Support Victims: Donate to funds aiding child rape survivors, like local NGOs in Bihar.
- Push for Change: Contact Bihar’s health helpline to demand better ambulance and hospital networks.
- Back Justice: Support organizations fighting POCSO cases to clear court backlogs and help victims.
These steps can amplify the call for reform and support those in need.
