In the rape and murder case of a 4-year-old girl in Ghaziabad, where an SIT probe was directed, the Supreme Court today orally observed that the private hospitals which denied the minor victim treatment while she was alive were "criminally negligent".

The Court was further informed that the SIT has recommended in its report action against the two private hospitals as well as the Station House Officer concerned.

A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana was apprised of the development by ASG Aishwarya Bhati. The ASG stated that the SHO concerned had been removed from their post and sent to police lines, the police station was taking steps for preservation of CCTV footage for 6 months and a drive had been conducted at the subject area (which was prone to antisocial activities) to clean it and hold activities so that the locals feel it's a recreational area.

CJI Kant noted that on the last date, it was observed that the case was one of "sheer criminal negligence" and "lack of sensitivity", "only because the [victim] child belonged to a poor family". He further said that the hospitals were given a suggestion earlier, and it remains to be seen what they do in that regard. The matter was adjourned to enable the parties to peruse the SIT report.

Senior Advocate N Hariharan, for the victim-child's parent, said that he would come back with suggestions, if any, after going through the report.

It may be recalled that the SIT was directed to be constituted in the present case on April 24. On the said date, the petitioner side alleged that the victim's father was "dragged" by the police authorities for recording of his statement under Section 164 CrPC and coerced into reiterating the averments in the FIR. The State, on the other hand, highlighted that chargesheet had been filed against the primary accused and cognizance taken by the concerned court.

Constituting the SIT, the Court called for an independent examination of the role of the private hospitals. It noted that the victim's parents were dissatisfied with the state investigation and even as per the Court, the matter ought to have drawn the attention of the state authorities given the barbaric nature of the offense.

Case Title : XXX v. STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH, W.P.(Crl.) No. 139/2026