The death of a 16-year-old girl from east Delhi’s Geeta Colony, months after she allegedly consumed acid, has triggered a serious police investigation amid conflicting statements and unresolved medical questions.
Police said the girl, who was a minor at the time, was married in July last year to a 22-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh in the presence of both families, who are related. The marriage itself has come under scrutiny due to her age.
Acid consumption case revisited
On October 29 last year, a medico-legal case was received from Maulana Azad Medical College, stating that the girl had consumed acid. At that time, doctors recorded no allegation of abuse. The girl and her mother reportedly told medical staff and police that she had consumed the substance following a domestic dispute.
However, months later, the narrative changed. On January 23, the girl’s mother approached Geeta Colony Police Station, alleging that her daughter had been forced to consume acid and had been subjected to abuse by her husband. Based on the complaint and the girl’s age, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Medical delay and death
Police noted that despite the seriousness of acid consumption, the girl was not admitted to a hospital for a prolonged period and stayed at her parental home. On February 7, her father rushed her to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital in a critical condition, where doctors declared her dead.
An autopsy was conducted, but doctors could not give a definite cause of death due to the long gap between the acid incident and her death. Authorities said final conclusions will depend on forensic and chemical analysis reports.
Police said all aspects, including the acid consumption, medical response, and statements of family members, are being examined before further action.