The Supreme Court has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising three women police officers to investigate the brutal rape and murder of a 4-year-old girl in Ghaziabad. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi, issued the directive on Friday, April 24, 2026, expressing profound dissatisfaction with the local police's initial handling of the case.
This marks the second SIT formed by the apex court within a single month to investigate a minor's rape, highlighting a stern judicial stance on perceived investigative failures in sensitive cases.
Key Directives of the Court
- Composition of SIT: The team must consist of three women officers:
- A woman officer of the rank of Commissioner of Police/Inspector General (IG) from the UP cadre (but not having roots in the state).
- A woman officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) or Additional SP.
- A woman officer of the rank of Deputy SP or Inspector.
- Scope of Investigation: Beyond the primary crime, the SIT is tasked with investigating:
- The role of two private hospitals that allegedly denied the child medical treatment during the "golden hour" while she was still alive.
- Allegations of threats and intimidation directed at the victim's parents.
- The conduct of local police officers who reportedly failed to invoke sexual assault provisions initially and allegedly assaulted the victim's father.
- Timeline: The SIT must be notified by 11:00 PM on April 25, 2026, and is expected to conclude its probe preferably within two weeks.
- Stay on Trial: The Supreme Court directed the trial court to keep current proceedings in abeyance until the SIT files its supplementary report.
Background and Judicial Observations
The case surfaced following the death of the minor on March 17, 2024, in Ghaziabad's Nandgram area. The Supreme Court previously termed the aftermath of the assault as "appalling" and "diabolical," criticizing the "indifferent, inhuman, and insensitive" approach of the local authorities.
The Court intervened after the victim's parents alleged that the local police had pressurized them and failed to conduct a fair investigation. The current order ensures the probe is conducted by an independent team to restore public confidence and ensure justice for the victim's family.