The Supreme Court of India has ordered the constitution of an all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the brutal rape and murder of two minor girls in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The court has sought a comprehensive report on the case, emphasizing the need for a sensitive and thorough probe.
Case Background
The two minor girls, aged 15 and 16, were found dead under mysterious circumstances in a village in Ghaziabad district. Initial investigations suggested they were sexually assaulted before being murdered. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, with locals demanding justice and a fair inquiry.
Supreme Court Intervention
Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli, expressed concern over the handling of the case by local authorities. The court noted that the investigation must be conducted with utmost sensitivity, given the nature of the crime and the age of the victims.
The bench directed the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute an all-woman SIT within a week. The team will be headed by a senior IPS officer and will include experts in forensic science and child psychology. The SIT has been asked to submit its first progress report within four weeks.
Key Directions
- The SIT must ensure that all evidence is collected and preserved meticulously.
- Witnesses shall be provided adequate protection to encourage them to come forward.
- The victims' families will be kept informed of the investigation's progress.
- Any attempt to tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses will be dealt with strictly.
Reactions and Next Steps
The families of the victims have welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention, expressing hope that the truth will come out. Legal experts have praised the decision, stating that an all-woman SIT can bring a more empathetic approach to the investigation. The Uttar Pradesh government has assured full cooperation and compliance with the court's orders.
The case has once again highlighted the alarming rate of crimes against minors in the country. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 1.3 lakh cases of crimes against children were reported in 2021, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for a significant share. Activists have called for stricter laws and better implementation of existing ones to protect children.
The Supreme Court will hear the matter next after the SIT submits its report. The outcome of this case is being closely watched as a litmus test for the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in handling sensitive crimes.
