Tura, July 19: In a world of utter cruelty and a dark blot on medical ethos, a 14-year-old gang-rape victim was forced to travel 75 kms from a hospital she had been brought to after the doctor there refused to treat her since the crime and investigation occurred in another district of Garo Hills.
The minor girl, sexually assaulted by four youths in Nongalbibra town of South Garo Hills, was refused medical treatment by a doctor at Williamnagar Civil Hospital where she was taken by police who rescued her.
Despite the horrific nature of the crime and the condition of the little girl, she was denied medical treatment by the doctor who cited jurisdiction issues.
The doctor’s contention was that since the crime happened in Nongalbibra and the case is being investigated by Nongalbibra police in South Garo Hills (SGH), the victim would have to go to that district for medical treatment.
In his report mentioned on the hospital medical slip, the medical doctor wrote, “A case of 14 year old who was reportedly raped by 4 persons and has been sent here for opinion and medical examination. Since the case has been requisitioned by Nongalbibra P.S. under South Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, therefore the case for opinion and medical opinion is referred to Baghmara Civil hospital, South Garo Hills.”
She was forced to travel more than five hours to reach Baghmara, headquarters of South Garo Hills, before medical treatment could be provided to her.
South Garo Hills police chief Rituraj Ravi S, confirmed that the victim was not treated at Williamnagar hospital and had to be brought all the way back to Baghmara.
This isn’t the first instance of a rape victim being denied treatment due to her in Williamnagar hospital. According to NGOs and child activists in the region they have recorded close to half a dozen instances when sexually assaulted victims have been directed to head back to the areas they either hail from or the scene of the crime for seeking treatment.
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