Justice denied?

EDITORIAL

Delay in medical exam of rape victims is inexcusable

It is quite outrageous that there was a delay by the police in bringing a number of rape victims to hospital for medical examination even after the filing of a case, making it difficult for doctors to find any meaningful evidence of rape by then. This continues despite the fact that the High Court in a directive in 2015 ruled that the police would be held responsible for any delay in conducting medical tests after a case is filed and that such a delay would constitute a punishable offence.

As explained by a forensic expert quoted in a report in this daily yesterday, delays in medical test may destroy evidence and reduce the chance of getting proper results, making it impossible for the victim to get justice. And, according to a staff member in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, as many as 20 percent of rape victims that the hospital receives each month are brought in late.

In Bangladesh, the prosecution of rape is normally extremely complicated and time-consuming. As it is often the case that the burden of proof lies with the victim, very few of them end up getting justice.

We have to understand that due to social stigma attached to such cases, victims themselves have to somehow gather the courage to report the incident to the police. The fact that some policemen show negligence in conducting medical tests on time, even after a victim takes the bold step of filing a case, is unacceptable.

As laid out by the court, the authorities concerned should take serious measures to punish officers who have demonstrated negligence in such cases. In addition, efforts should be taken to make law enforcement officials aware of the court directive and the importance of conducting medical tests of rape victims as soon as possible.

• Courtesy: The Daily /Star Jan 27, 2019