Traffic was disrupted on the busy Panagal Road in the city for half an hour on Tuesday after some law college students and relatives of a rape victim staged a road roko protesting the ‘callous’ attitude of the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) staff.
The agitators alleged that a 17-year-old girl from Vedasandur in Dindigul district, admitted for treatment a fortnight ago, was forcibly discharged by the hospital staff on Tuesday afternoon. Despite repeated pleas, the girl was evicted by the authorities, they added.
It may be recalled that the Dalit girl was allegedly raped by a gang of five in Dindigul on February 1 and was referred to Government Rajaji Hospital here for treatment.
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The family members alleged that the hospital authorities were acting under pressure from the family of the key accused to discharge the victim.
“She was being treated only for head injuries for the past two weeks. No one even bothered to offer counselling to the girl who was suffering a severe mental trauma,” said Palaniappan, the victim’s uncle.
“We are being victimised only because of the caste we belong to,” he rued.
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The protesters dispersed only after the police intervened and held talks with the hospital staff who later readmitted the victim in the labour ward.
When contacted, D. Maruthupandian, Dean (In-Charge) of the GRH, denied that the girl was discharged prematurely.
He told that the victim had been thoroughly treated for her wounds.
“She was discharged after being given complete medical treatment. We have run all required scans and tests. Since her parents were dissatisfied with the healthcare provided, they staged a protest. Acceding to their demand, we have readmitted the girl for providing counselling, if necessary,” Dr.Pandian added.
Reacting to the incident, A. Kathir, Director, Evidence, said, “The prime accused has not been arrested yet. His family is attempting to get the girl out of the hospital to help him escape.”
“The victim’s family has been left in the lurch by both the police and the hospital staff. She needs special medical care,” he added.