Bihar Government Seeks CBI Investigation Into NEET Aspirant's Death
The Bihar government has formally requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant from Jehanabad district. This development comes after forensic reports suggested possible sexual violence, contradicting initial police assessments that had treated the case as a suspected suicide.
Timeline of Events and Medical Findings
The teenager was discovered unconscious in her room at a girls' hostel in Patna on January 6, where she had been residing to prepare for the medical entrance examination. She was initially taken to a local clinic before being transferred to multiple hospitals as her condition worsened, ultimately passing away on January 11.
Police initially suggested suicide, citing alleged consumption of sleeping pills and stating that a private gynecologist found no evidence of sexual assault during initial examination. However, a postmortem conducted by a medical board at Patna Medical College and Hospital on January 12 presented conflicting findings, stating that "sexual violence cannot be ruled out" in this case.
Forensic Evidence and Investigation Developments
The autopsy report documented multiple injuries including nail abrasions on the neck and bruises on the shoulder, arm, and forearm. More significantly, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reported detecting "human semen residues" on one of the undergarments the girl was purportedly wearing during the incident.
In response to these findings, police have taken several investigative steps:
- Arrested the hostel building owner, Manish Kumar Ranjan
- Constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under IG Central Range Jitendra Rana
- Collected DNA samples from over a dozen individuals including family members and hostel operators
- Initiated DNA profiling to match with biological evidence from the victim's clothing
- Requested transfer of the case to a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court
Family Allegations and Political Reactions
The victim's family has consistently maintained that there has been an attempt to "cover up" the case. They met with the state police chief and later alleged that police were attempting to hush up the investigation. The family has particularly objected to the composition of the SIT, noting that officers who initially declared the case a suicide remain involved in the probe.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also serves as Home Minister, announced that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has written to the central government seeking transfer of the case to the CBI to ensure a "transparent and just" investigation. This move follows sustained demands from the family for a CBI probe, citing alleged lapses and contradictions in the local police investigation.
Administrative Actions and Public Response
The investigation has prompted administrative repercussions, with Chitragupt Nagar police station SHO Roshni Kumari and Kadamkuan assistant SHO Hemant Jha being suspended. A senior officer indicated this decision followed a review that revealed "failure in intelligence gathering and timely action."
The case has generated significant public attention, triggering protests in Patna including demonstrations at Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan. Political figures have also weighed in, with Independent MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan (alias Pappu Yadav), raising the issue in Parliament and reiterating demands for a CBI investigation. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has backed the family's demand for a thorough probe.
As the investigation continues, the Bihar government maintains that all those responsible will be held accountable, while the family continues their pursuit of justice for their daughter.
