Patna University Students Stage Protest March Demanding Justice for Deceased NEET Aspirant
In a powerful display of solidarity and outrage, female students from Patna University organized a protest march on Friday, vociferously demanding justice for a NEET aspirant who tragically passed away during treatment. The incident occurred after the student allegedly consumed sleeping pills at a private hostel in Patna on January 11, sparking widespread concern and allegations of foul play.
Post-Mortem Report Contradicts Initial Police Claims
The post-mortem examination has delivered shocking findings, confirming the presence of injury marks and evidence of sexual assault on the victim. This revelation starkly contradicts the initial statements from police authorities, who had previously asserted that there was no indication of any criminal activity involved in the case. The discrepancy between the forensic evidence and the official narrative has fueled public anger and intensified calls for a transparent investigation.
Family Alleges Police Pressure and Demands CBI Intervention
Earlier on Friday, the grieving family members of the victim met with Bihar's Director General of Police, Vinay Kumar, to express their distress and dissatisfaction with the handling of the case. Following this meeting, the family publicly alleged that police officials were coercing them to accept the death as a suicide and to deny the horrific allegation of rape that has emerged from the post-mortem report.
The victim's mother, who also met with the DGP, made grave accusations against the police force. She claimed that law enforcement personnel had accepted bribes from the accused individuals and were deliberately suppressing the case to protect the perpetrators. Expressing a complete loss of confidence in the state police, the family has formally demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe to ensure an impartial and thorough examination of all circumstances surrounding the death.
The victim's brother recounted, "During the meeting with the DGP, the officials in the Special Investigation Team told our mother to accept that she committed suicide and that she was not raped." This alleged pressure has only deepened the family's resolve to seek external intervention.
'Beti Bachao Nyay March' Echoes Through Patna Streets
The protest, named the 'Beti Bachao Nyay March,' saw a significant gathering of students marching from Magadh Mahila College to Kargil Chowk in Patna. At the chowk, the participants staged a demonstration, chanting slogans and holding placards that highlighted their demands for justice and security.
The protesting students appealed directly to the authorities, stating, "Samrat Choudhary, give security to daughters. Rope in CBI to probe the NEET student's death." Their voices echoed the broader public sentiment calling for accountability and swift action in this distressing case.
Legal and Administrative Responses to the Crisis
In response to the escalating situation, a public interest litigation has been filed in the Patna High Court, seeking a court-monitored investigation into the case to ensure transparency and prevent any potential mishandling. This legal move underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the need for judicial oversight.
On the administrative front, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary summoned DGP Vinay Kumar and Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit to review the progress of the investigation. During this high-level meeting, the Special Investigation Team was directed to expedite the probe and prioritize the crucial task of matching the DNA profile of the accused with the DNA evidence recovered from the victim's clothing.
The SIT has made some progress in its investigative efforts, having collected DNA samples from 22 individuals, including the hostel owner and various staff members. Forensic analysis has revealed traces of human sperm on the victim's undergarments, and DNA profiling is currently underway to identify the perpetrator. The SIT has questioned several suspects, including hostel owner Manish Ranjan, as they work diligently to pinpoint the main accused in this harrowing case.
Despite being called to the deputy chief minister's residence after their meeting with the DGP, the victim's family did not reach there, indicating ongoing tensions and perhaps a lack of trust in the state's handling of the matter. The victim's mother poignantly expressed her despair, saying, "No one is able to get justice for my daughter. Everyone received money. We are not able to give. DSPs, SPs, all are sold out."
As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant, demanding justice and systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
