The Bombay High Court has ordered a fresh investigation into the 2010 death of a 13-year-old girl, citing serious oversight by local authorities. The case, originally classified as an accidental death, now faces scrutiny following revelations from the autopsy report that suggested she may have been raped shortly before her death.

Autopsy Findings Raise Serious Questions

During a recent hearing, the High Court noted that the police failed to adequately consider critical evidence from the autopsy, which indicated that the girl had been subjected to sexual intercourse in the 24 hours leading up to her death. The court criticized the investigation conducted by the local police, highlighting their reliance on incomplete video footage and witness statements from medical professionals who had not reviewed the postmortem findings.

Court Flags Major Lapses in Police Investigation

The court identified “too many loose ends” surrounding the circumstances of the girl’s death. Justices Sarang Kotwal and Sandesh Patil emphasized that law enforcement had not sufficiently explored the possibility of rape coupled with murder, labeling this oversight as a significant flaw in the investigation.

School Trip Incident Under Renewed Scrutiny

The incident occurred during a school trip near Tungareshwar forest, where students were engaged in recreational activities. Reports indicate that while students were playing in a stream, a teacher advised them to exit due to rising water levels. All the students complied except for the victim, who was subsequently reported missing and later found deceased in an unclothed state. This aspect of the case raised further questions about the investigation’s thoroughness.

Bench Calls Clothing Detail a Critical Clue

The division bench expressed concern over the lack of exploration into the absence of the girl’s clothing, which they deemed a crucial detail that warranted a serious investigation. The judges called for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take over the case to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry into the girl’s death.

CBI Asked to Ensure Unbiased Investigation

This decision comes amid heightened public scrutiny regarding the handling of sexual assault cases in India, with many calling for more stringent protocols in investigations related to such sensitive matters. The Court’s intervention is seen as a critical step in seeking justice for the victim and addressing the shortcomings of the initial police inquiry.

Decade-Old Case Enters Crucial Phase

The transfer of the case to the CBI marks a pivotal moment in an investigation that has remained unresolved for over a decade. Authorities are now expected to pursue a detailed examination of all evidence, including medical reports and witness testimonies, that could shed light on the events leading to the tragic death of the schoolgirl.

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