Delay in medical test destroys rape evidence

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Jakia Ahmed
Published : 06:00, Jan 11, 2020 | Updated : 06:00, Jan 11, 2020

Representational image. Photo/India.comIn cases related to rape or physical abuse, medical report is important but if the medical tests are not done at the right moment, the evidence of rape may not be found.
As a result, the victim may be deprived of justice. This happens because in the evening, health centres are often closed and doctors are absent. Specialists say this rule has to be changed and health centres need to remain open 24 hours.
There is a High Court directive which states that in cases of rape, evidence has to be sent to DNA profiling centre or forensic lab within 48 hours. The court gave the order over the rape of girl in a microbus in 2015.
Doctors have said that in the Bangladeshi context, evidence of rape can be collected if the victim is brought within 48 hours but if the test is done immediately, a lot of evidence can be obtained.
Chief Professor of the Forensic Department of Suhrawardy Medical College, Dr AM Selim Reza, said: “Medical test done within 48 hours can give the evidence. Problems arise after 48 hours have passed because during this time, evidence can be spoilt since the victim may take a shower or a bath.”
The government issued a notice in this regard saying that the victim has to be taken to the doctors within 48 hours, said Dr Selim, adding: “But in reality, many come to us much later.”
Human rights worker and advocate Alina Khan, says: “In rape cases, evidence is the main witness and so, health care centres need to be kept open for 24 hours.”
The police stations make the mistake of giving precedence to investigation but this wastes time and the required evidence is spoilt, she says.
“Once a victim comes for justice, the medical test has to be done immediately.”
Kumudini Women’s Medical College Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Assistant Professor Dr Bilqis Begum observes: “We can get the accurate result if medical test is done within 48 hours and before the victim has touched water.”

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