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Pilibhit Rape Survivors Denied Female Doctors

Between June 1 and September 28, a shocking 70 out of 79 rape survivors, including 5 minors, bravely declined medical examinations by male gynaecologists at the very hospital meant to offer them solace.

In the heart of Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, a deeply unsettling irony plagues the district womenโ€™s hospital. Built with the intent to provide specialized care for women, the hospital finds itself without women doctors, a stark contradiction that was recently brought to light by Times of India. Between June 1 and September 28, a shocking 70 out of 79 rape survivors, including 5 minors, bravely declined medical examinations by male gynaecologists at the very hospital meant to offer them solace.

Also Read: Maharashtra: Teen Girl Gangraped In Palghar, Eight Apprehended

The trauma of sexual assault is immeasurable, and survivors, already burdened with pain, felt violated anew at the prospect of being examined by male doctors. The absence of female doctors stemmed from the retirements of the hospitalโ€™s female medical superintendent, Dr. Anita Chaurasia, and gynaecologist, Dr. Kamla Mishra. The reins of the hospital are now in the hands of male medical superintendent, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, and male gynaecologist, Dr. KK Bhatt.

Legal experts have pointed out the alarming breach of the law and a survivorโ€™s constitutional right to privacy. Madhu Ranjan Pandey, a senior lawyer from Prayagraj, highlighted that the Criminal Procedure Code expressly mandates examinations of rape survivors by female medical officers. The lack of this option is not just a violation; itโ€™s an affront to justice.

Under Section 27 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, itโ€™s crystal clear that a rape victim below 18 years must be examined solely by a lady doctor. Yet, in this hospital, this basic right is denied. Shraddha Saxena, a Supreme Court lawyer, emphasized the blatant disregard for constitutional rights, citing Articles 14 and 21.

The consequences are dire. A survivorโ€™s refusal of medical examination due to a male doctorโ€™s presence could potentially acquit the accused during the court trial, a horrifying prospect for those seeking justice. Whatโ€™s equally concerning is the lack of awareness among survivors and their families regarding the legal implications of their refusal.

This issue demands immediate attention. Gender equality in medical care isnโ€™t just about numbers; itโ€™s about human dignity, empathy, and justice. Itโ€™s a plea for society to uphold fundamental rights, especially in the face of vulnerability. As the survivorsโ€™ cries for justice echo through the corridors of the hospital, urgent action is not just a necessity; itโ€™s a moral obligation that society must fulfil.

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Pakistan Explosions: Death Toll Rises

Zaina Afzal Kutty
On a tragic Friday, two Pakistani provinces were rocked by multiple explosions, claiming the lives of at least 55 people and injuring over 50 others.

On a tragic Friday, Pakistan was gripped by sorrow as Balochistan and Hangu provinces were jolted by a series of explosions, shattering the tranquility and claiming the lives of 55 people while leaving over 50 others severely injured. The devastating events unfolded in the Mastung district of Balochistan, where a suspected suicide blast near Madina Mosque on Al Falah Road disrupted a gathering celebrating Prophet Muhammadโ€™s birthday for Eid Miladun Nabi. This appalling incident, a gruesome interruption during the religious procession, extinguished the lives of 52 individuals and wounded 50 more. Among the victims was Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Nawaz Gashkori, who met a heroic end on duty, his life snuffed out by the explosion near his police vehicle.

Simultaneously, in the Hangu district, another heart-wrenching incident transpired as a suicide blast tore through a mosque during Juma prayers, claiming the lives of three people and injuring six others. Approximately 30 to 40 worshippers were inside the mosque when the explosion occurred, underscoring the indiscriminate brutality of these attacks.

In the aftermath, Pakistan swiftly mobilized its security forces, enhancing measures across major cities to safeguard its citizens. The Karachi police, responding to the tragedies, reassured the public through social media, emphasizing their intensified security efforts. These incidents not only left scars on the affected provinces but also cast a somber shadow over the entire nation, evoking collective grief and a steadfast determination to stand resilient against such senseless violence.

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