SC Reviews Action Against SHO Over Ghaziabad Rape-Murder Case Investigation

The Supreme Court on Thursday took note of the action initiated against the Station House Officer (SHO) in connection with the rape and murder case of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant examined the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report and observed that the matter involved serious lapses requiring careful consideration. The court was informed that the concerned police officer had been transferred to police lines following the recommendations of the SIT. During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant remarked that the case involved a serious lapse and said the court would need to examine the SIT report in detail before proceeding further.

The bench is expected to review the findings and recommendations during the next hearing. The Supreme Court had earlier constituted an all-women SIT after expressing concerns over the handling of the investigation by local police. The court had criticised the manner in which the probe was conducted and had also raised concerns over private hospitals allegedly refusing treatment to the child. The SIT was tasked with examining the investigation process and identifying shortcomings in the response of authorities. According to details of the case, the four-year-old girl was allegedly taken away by a neighbour on the pretext of buying chocolates.

She was later found unconscious, leading to a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case triggered widespread concern and raised questions about child safety, police response mechanisms and the treatment of victims in serious crimes. During Thursday's hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, informed the bench about corrective measures being taken following the SIT's observations. She said that authorities had increased the period for preserving CCTV footage from 15 days to more than six months to assist future investigations.

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The Uttar Pradesh government also informed the court that safety drives were being conducted in the locality where the incident occurred. These measures are aimed at improving surveillance, strengthening police response and preventing similar incidents in the future. The government said steps were being taken based on the concerns highlighted during the proceedings. Senior advocate N Hariharan, appearing for the father of the victim, requested time from the court to study the SIT report before making further submissions. The bench agreed to allow time for reviewing the document and listed the matter for further hearing next week.

The Supreme Court's intervention in the case highlights concerns regarding accountability in investigations involving crimes against children. By examining the SIT report and monitoring corrective measures, the court is assessing whether appropriate action has been taken against officials responsible for alleged lapses and whether systemic improvements are being implemented. The proceedings will continue when the matter returns before the bench next week, with the court expected to consider the SIT's findings in greater detail and review the steps taken by authorities following the investigation. The case remains under close judicial scrutiny due to the seriousness of the allegations and concerns raised over the initial handling of the matter.

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