Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 26: A chilling incident from the heart of the capital has sparked widespread outrage after a 23-year-old homeless woman, admitted to a government hospital in North-East Delhi, died following an alleged sexual assault by a fellow patient.
The woman, who was receiving treatment at Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital (JPC), was reportedly molested by another male patient within the hospital premises on June 23, leading to severe trauma. She was subsequently shifted to GTB Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment on Wednesday.
Police officials from Usmanpur swiftly launched an investigation into the shocking incident. A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the assault and booked under charges of molestation and assault.
As per reports, the victim was admitted to JPC hospital on June 21, and the alleged assault took place just two days later. She had apparently stepped out of the ward when she was attacked.
A four-member internal inquiry panel has been formed by the hospital administration to cooperate with the police investigation, which has also begun questioning staff and inspecting CCTV footage for any lapses in security.
The incident has provoked a political storm, with Opposition leaders slamming the administration for failing to ensure basic safety in a public health facility. AAP leader Saurabh Bhardwaj took to X, demanding swift action against the culprits and asking tough questions: “How can a patient be subjected to such inhumane treatment? Were the CCTV cameras not working? Was the hospital administration asleep?”
Delhi Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, speaking to IANS, indicated that there may be deeper negligence or foul play involved. "If the woman went to the washroom, how did she end up in the guard room? The probe will reveal the truth. Strict action, including suspension of hospital staff, cannot be ruled out," he stated.
Residents and rights activists have also raised their voices, calling for systemic reforms in hospital security protocols and better safeguards for vulnerable patients, especially women.
The tragic incident has cast a dark shadow over the functioning of public health institutions in the capital, with growing calls for justice, accountability, and safety reforms in hospitals catering to the most marginalized sections of society.