Meghalaya: Police to move HC against doctor who allegedly denied treatment to minor rape victim

As per a recent media report in The New Indian Express, the matter erupted after the doctor allegedly refused to attend a 14-year-old rape victim due to the judicial issue, resultantly, the victim had to travel 75 km for getting treatment at another hospital. Meanwhile, all the four accused were arrest by the police.

The case concerned a minor girl, who was sexually assaulted at Nongalbibra in South Garo Hills. The victim was rescued by the police and rushed to the nearest government-run Civil Hospital at Williamnagar which was situated some 22 km away, in the East Garo Hills district. However, the doctor denied treatment on the pretext that the crime was committed in another district and hence, it comes under the jurisdiction of another district's authorities. The case was being investigated by the police.

The New Indian Express reports that the doctor had written on the hospital medical slip, "A case of a 14-year-old, who was reportedly raped by four persons, has been sent here for opinion and medical examination. Since the case has been requisitioned by Nongalbibra police station under South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, therefore, the case for opinion and medical opinion is referred to Baghmara Civil Hospital, South Garo Hills."

Eventually, the victim had to be taken to Baghmara, the district headquarters of South Garo Hills, located 75 km away from Williamnagar in order to get treatment.

Police informed that they decided to approach the government and the court in the matter as administrative, as well as legal aspects, had to be taken into account.

"There are two aspects to it. One is the administrative decision. So, we are taking up the matter with the government. The second is the legal aspect. As such, we are moving the court. If the court says the doctor's action is a cognizable offense, we will register a case (against him)," South Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Rituraj Ravi S told TNIE.

According to the daily, the locals stated that several such instances also took place when the Williamnagar hospital authority allegedly denied treatment to rape victims due to jurisdictional issues.