By Tanishka Shah

The brutal rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl in Jaynagar, West Bengal, sparked national outrage, demanding justice and strict legal action. The case exposed lapses in the initial investigation, particularly regarding the accuracy of the autopsy report and the omission of charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The victim’s family and the public called for transparency and a thorough judicial process to ensure justice. Amid rising concerns, the matter reached the Calcutta High Court, which intervened to address the perceived inadequacies in the case’s handling. In its judgment, the Calcutta High Court directed that a fresh autopsy of the victim be conducted at AIIMS, New Delhi. The court expressed doubts about the reliability of the initial postmortem report, suspecting that vital evidence might have been overlooked or mishandled. By transferring the autopsy to a premier medical institution like AIIMS, the court aimed to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased analysis, which is critical for a case of such gravity.

Moreover, the court ordered the addition of POCSO charges against the accused. This step recognizes the particular vulnerability of children in sexual violence cases and reinforces the necessity for stringent legal measures. The inclusion of these charges allows for the application of enhanced penalties, reflecting the severity of the crime and prioritizing justice for the minor victim.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of minors and ensuring procedural integrity in sensitive cases. The directive for a second autopsy at a trusted institution like AIIMS sets a benchmark for forensic accountability in cases where initial findings are disputed. It emphasizes the importance of thorough and credible investigations as the foundation for delivering justice.

The inclusion of POCSO charges also strengthens the legal framework in cases involving child victims. The Calcutta High Court’s proactive measures not only address the immediate demands of this case but also set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future. As the legal proceedings progress, it remains imperative for the judiciary, law enforcement, and policymakers to work together to build a system that is fair, transparent, and sensitive to the needs of vulnerable victims.

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