The Bihar government on Tuesday suspended the Medical Superintendent of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur for alleged negligence in duty, two days after the death of rape victim.
An order was issued on June 3 by the state health department removing Abhijeet Singh, the acting Deputy Superintendent of Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), from his responsibilities. This action followed the death of the minor girl who succumbed to her injuries at the hospital on Sunday. The 11-year-old died after being kept waiting in an ambulance for several hours before getting admission at the hospital. The minor was burtally attacked and raped on May 26, suffering from her injuries she lost her life at the PMCH on Sunday.
She was brought to PMCH in critical condition on Saturday after being shifted from the Muzaffarpur-based SKMCH for better medical treatment, reported PTI.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to a wave of public condemnation, with many expressing deep concern over the circumstances and demanding accountability from the authorities involved. According to the order, “Prime-facie it appears that Dr Kumari Bibha, Medical Superintendent (MS) of the SKMCH, did not properly follow the referral policy while handling the case of the rape victim who died on Sunday. It has been found that the hospital administration did not handle the case with sensitivity.”
“Therefore, till the completion of the enquiry, the department suspends the concerned MS, with immediate effect, for dereliction of duty. During her suspension period, she will remain posted at the health department headquarters in Patna,” the order said.
The official order further stated that Abhijeet Singh, the acting Deputy Superintendent of Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), failed to appropriately manage the situation when the victim was brought to the hospital on Saturday. This lapse was cited as a clear instance of ‘administrative failure’ on his part. As a consequence of this negligence, the order declared that he would be relieved of his additional responsibilities with immediate effect. According to the reports the girl was raped in her village in Muzaffarpur district. The accused brutally slashed her throat and chest after assaulting the minor, reported PTI. The police have arrested the accused, who even tried to kill her by slitting her throat.
(With inputs from PTI)