Supreme Court Orders All-Women SIT to Probe Ghaziabad Minor’s Rape and Murder Case, Stays Trial

April 24, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police to constitute a three-member, all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Ghaziabad, raising serious concerns about the manner in which the investigation has been conducted so far.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pancholi ordered that the SIT be headed by a senior woman officer of the rank of Commissioner of Police or IG/SP from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, but without roots in the state. The team is to include two other women officers of the ranks of SP/Additional SP and DSP/Inspector.

The direction came on a petition filed by the victim’s father, who sought a court-monitored investigation by either an SIT or the CBI. He alleged that the local police had coerced him into making statements aligned with a disputed FIR.

Taking note of these allegations, the Court stayed the ongoing trial and instructed the SIT to conduct an independent probe. It directed the team to examine all issues raised by the victim’s family, including concerns about the investigation and the alleged role of two private hospitals accused of denying treatment to the injured child. The Court also ordered that adequate protection be provided to key witnesses.

The Bench instructed that the SIT be constituted without delay, preferably by Friday or by 11 a.m. on Saturday, and submit a supplementary report before the trial court within two weeks. Until then, further proceedings before the trial court will remain on hold.

During the hearing, it was submitted on behalf of the police that a charge sheet had already been filed and trial proceedings had begun. The Court observed that further action would depend on the findings of the SIT.

The incident dates back to March 16, 2026, when the child was allegedly lured by a neighbour and later found unconscious in a field. Her family claimed she was still alive when discovered, but two private hospitals allegedly refused to admit her. She was eventually taken to MMG District Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.

The Court was informed of several alleged lapses in the investigation, including coercion of the victim’s father and attempts to shield the hospitals. It also questioned why the police sought to record a statement under Section 164 of the CrPC despite claiming that the investigation was complete and a charge sheet had already been filed.

Clarifying its position, the Court stated that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the allegations or the defence of the hospitals, leaving all issues to be independently assessed by the SIT. It directed that a compliance affidavit be filed by the head of the SIT upon completion of the investigation and disposed of the plea.

Earlier, the Court had expressed shock over reports that the child was denied emergency medical care despite being alive. It also flagged concerns over delays in FIR registration, the handling of the investigation, and the omission of charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with inconsistencies in the police’s version of events.