Patna Court Postpones Bail Decision in NEET Student Death Case, Criticizes CBI Investigation
A Patna court on Saturday deferred its ruling on the bail plea of building owner Manish Ranjan, who is implicated in the suspicious death of a NEET student at a girls' hostel. The decision came after a nearly two-and-a-half-hour hearing, with the court setting March 2 as the next date to review additional responses from investigating agencies.
Judge Expresses Displeasure Over CBI Handling of POCSO Act
Presiding judge Rajeev Ranjan Raman, serving as district and additional sessions judge-VI-cum-POCSO court judge, voiced strong dissatisfaction during the proceedings. He criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for failing to invoke the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, despite the case involving a minor victim and evidence pointing to sexual assault. This evidence includes post-mortem findings and forensic traces of semen on clothing.
The CBI registered the case on February 12 under sections related to attempt to murder, assault, voluntarily causing hurt, and wrongful restraint. The court questioned the agency on the evidence collected against Ranjan during his 15-day police remand, whether he is still needed for further investigation, and the necessity of his continued judicial custody if the case is limited to attempt to murder.
Discrepancies in Initial Probe Highlighted
The hearing brought to light inconsistencies in the initial investigation. Until January 17, Roshni Kumari, then in-charge of Chitragupta Nagar police station, led the probe. The court questioned her about the charges framed against Ranjan, the evidence seized—such as the victim's mobile phone and the hostel's DVR—and why these items were not produced before the court within 24 hours.
Kumari stated she handed over all materials to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on January 17. However, the SIT claimed receipt only on January 24, a delay that the victim's family cited as raising concerns over possible tampering.
SIT Questioned on Investigation Details
Annu Kumari, secretariat SDPO I heading the SIT, was interrogated about Ranjan's movements, his location during the incident, the circumstances of his arrest, and his recorded statement. She informed the court that call detail records (CDR) were examined and locations matched, though complete details were not elaborated in open proceedings.
Victim's Family Opposes Bail, CBI Conducts Interrogation
The victim's family strongly opposed bail for Ranjan. Their lawyer argued that Ranjan was the mastermind behind the incident and must remain in custody to prevent interference with justice.
Meanwhile, the CBI conducted a prolonged interrogation at Dr Prabhat Memorial Hiramati Hospital. A female staff member was questioned for approximately five hours and stated that the student was brought unconscious with visible bruises on her body.
Manish Ranjan, arrested on January 14 and lodged in Beur Central Jail for over 45 days, did not receive relief in this hearing. The case continues to unfold as the court seeks more clarity from investigating agencies.
