Patna NEET Student's Family Protests Alleged Rape and Murder, Questions CBI Probe
In a powerful display of anguish and demand for justice, hundreds of people, including the family of a NEET student, assembled at Gardanibagh in Patna on Sunday. The gathering was a protest against the alleged rape and murder of the young woman at a private hostel, with participants voicing deep distrust in the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Family's Distrust in Investigation Agency
The mother of the deceased student openly questioned the CBI's handling of the case, stating emphatically, "We no longer trust the agency; they are harassing us. We want justice for our daughter." Echoing this sentiment, the father accused the CBI of subjecting the family to torture, lamenting, "We have lost faith in the government and CBI. Now, we only hope for justice from the court. The government is treating us as a villain." These statements highlight the family's growing frustration and sense of betrayal as the investigation drags on without conclusive results.
Background of the Tragic Incident
The NEET student was discovered unconscious at a private hostel in Patna on January 6. Despite receiving medical treatment at a private hospital, she tragically succumbed to her injuries on January 11. While her family has consistently alleged that she was raped and murdered, initial police reports denied these claims. However, a subsequent forensic report confirmed critical evidence, including the presence of semen on the victim's undergarments and various injuries on her body, lending weight to the family's allegations.
Broader Concerns for Women's Safety
Social activist Pushkar Anand, who participated in the dharna, emphasized that the protest transcends a single family's grief. He asserted, "This protest is not just about a family, but about the safety of women across the state." Anand alleged that nearly three months have passed since the incident, yet all investigative efforts have proven ineffective, raising serious questions about systemic failures in addressing crimes against women in Bihar.
Demands for Speedy Justice and Threats of Escalation
The protesters, comprising a large crowd at the dharna site, demanded swift and transparent justice. They warned that if the investigation does not progress in the right direction, the agitation will be intensified, with plans for a larger-scale protest if necessary. The case was initially handled by Patna Police, but due to mounting questions and public pressure, it was transferred to the CBI. Despite this move, participants alleged that no significant conclusions have emerged, further fueling their discontent.
Legal Developments and Arrests
In connection with the case, Manish Ranjan, the owner of the hostel where the incident occurred, has been arrested and is currently detained at Beur Jail. Adding to the legal proceedings, his bail petition was rejected by the Pocso court in Patna on March 16, indicating ongoing judicial scrutiny. This arrest underscores the seriousness of the allegations but has not alleviated the family's concerns over the broader investigation's pace and integrity.
The protest in Patna serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and justice in cases of violence against women, with the NEET student's family and supporters vowing to continue their fight until their demands are met.
