10 things to know about the Muzaffarpur rape case that shook Bihar

NEW DELHI: The death of a 9-year-old Dalit girl after a brutal rape in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur has triggered outrage across the country. As allegations of medical negligence and administrative failure emerge, here are 10 things to know about the case that has prompted interventions from the NHRC, NCW, and national leaders:

1. Brutal assault on a 9-year-old girl in Muzaffarpur
On May 26, the minor girl was allegedly lured with chocolate near her aunt’s house and taken to a maize field where she was raped and physically assaulted. She sustained serious neck and internal injuries.

2. Referred to Patna after initial treatment
She was first admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur. Due to her critical condition, she was referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on May 30.

3. Left in an ambulance for hours at PMCH
According to her uncle, the child was kept waiting for 2-3 hours inside an ambulance outside PMCH before being admitted. Despite her condition, proper care was allegedly delayed, and the family claims she was only admitted after they raised a ruckus.

4. Allegations of negligence and overmedication
The family alleged that doctors gave the child sedatives through the night, and she died the next morning. They also claimed they had to spend Rs 25,000 at the government hospital.

5. NHRC issues notices, calls it a violation of human rights
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance and issued notices to the chief secretary and DGP of Bihar, calling the incident a serious human rights violation. A detailed report has been sought within two weeks.

6. NCW demands immediate action, cites 'systemic failures'
National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also took suo motu cognisance, demanding a probe into the role of the hospital authorities and police, and calling the delay in treatment "gross negligence."

7. RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav slams government for inaction
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government of prioritising elections over justice. He said the CM and Deputy CMs haven't even acknowledged the case, calling the law and order situation in Bihar "criminal disorder."

8. Rahul Gandhi blames 'double-engine' government
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi posted on X that the girl's life could’ve been saved with timely medical care. He blamed the NDA’s negligence and vowed to fight until the family receives justice.

9. Government promises Rs 4 lakh ex gratia, fast-track trial
Bihar minister Kedar Gupta announced a Rs 4 lakh compensation, promised a chargesheet within 10 days, and said the government would seek a death sentence for the accused within two months.

10. Accused is a repeat offender
According to media reports cited by the NHRC, the same accused had previously raped another 12-year-old girl and tried to kill her. The delay in action raises questions about policing and prevention mechanisms.