“She Was Left in the Ambulance for Two Hours”: Uncle of Rape Survivor Criticizes PMCH as Congress Demands Accountability

Patna: The Congress party has sharply criticized the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government following the tragic death of a 10-year-old rape survivor at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Sunday. Party leaders described the state administration as being “on ventilator support,” highlighting their concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation.

The young girl had been receiving treatment at Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital in Muzaffarpur since May 26, where she was admitted with severe neck and internal injuries. Upon her transfer to PMCH, Dr. Abhijit Singh, the in-charge superintendent, stated that the medical team provided immediate care, examining her in the ambulance before moving her to the ICU for intensive treatment throughout the night.

According to her uncle, Virendra Paswan, the girl was lured by the accused with the promise of chocolate near her aunt’s home, only to be taken to a nearby maize field where the assault occurred. He reported that the perpetrator not only raped her but also attempted to strangle her and inflicted fatal wounds to her throat. The accused has since been apprehended.

Paswan expressed his frustration over what he described as negligence by the hospital staff, claiming that the girl was left in the ambulance for two hours before being admitted. He recounted the distressing experience of waiting for treatment, stating, “We were told to go to Patna, but we were not satisfied with the care there either. We waited for three hours in the ambulance, and only after a commotion did they finally admit her at 4 o’clock. The child was in pain and crying, and instead of proper care, the doctors sedated her throughout the night. She passed away by morning.”

Dr. Singh refuted these claims, asserting that the medical team acted promptly and responsibly upon the girl’s arrival. He emphasized that allegations of negligence often arise in such tragic circumstances, but insisted that the hospital provided the necessary care.

Paswan further alleged that despite PMCH being a government facility, he had to spend ₹25,000 on medical expenses, including for blood transfusions, which he claimed were contingent on payment. “This hospital is negligent. It feels like anyone who comes here is destined to become a statistic. They demand money for essential services, and without it, you are left helpless,” he lamented.