The victim had multiple injuries to her private parts. ‘It’s one of the worst sexual crimes I’ve seen,’ says the doctor who examined the minor girl
NEW DELHI — An 11-year-old deaf and mute Dalit girl was raped in a village in Rampur District of Uttar Pradesh. The minor girl, who went missing on Tuesday evening after going to a field near her home, was found unconscious there the next day with severe injuries, including cigarette burns and bite marks on her private parts.
A villager found the girl lying half-naked, badly hurt, and unconscious about 500 meters from her house. Her family was immediately informed.
Dr Anju Singh, who examined the girl told the Times of India, “This is a clear case of rape by one or more people. She had multiple injuries to her private parts, her face was swollen from being hit, and her clothes were bloodstained. It’s one of the worst sexual crimes I’ve seen.”
Media reports cited the mother of the victim as saying that her daughter is terrified and experiencing panic attacks, highlighting the need for comprehensive support services for survivors of sexual violence.
The police have arrested a suspect and are investigating the case. Additional Superintendent of Police Atul Kumar Srivastava said, “We have filed an FIR and formed three teams to nab the accused. The girl was rushed to the hospital, and we’re checking CCTV and phone records to find the culprits.”
As per the Supreme Court guidelines, the victim’s name has been kept confidential to protect her privacy.
This week’s horrific rape and torture case of the deaf girl is a grim reminder of the centuries-long systemic abuse faced by Dalits. The case highlights the vulnerability of Dalit women and girls, who are often subjected to brutal violence and sexual exploitation due to their caste and gender.
Though investigations into the incident are on, concerns remain about the effectiveness of the justice system in delivering justice to Dalit victims. Ensuring that perpetrators of violence against Dalits are held accountable is crucial for delivering justice and preventing future incidents.
Efforts to address caste-based discrimination and violence against Dalits require a multifaceted approach, including education, economic empowerment, and effective implementation of laws and policies.
Additionally, victims of sexual violence, particularly those from marginalised communities, need access to specialised support services, including counselling, medical care, and legal aid.
