Patna Police Takes Action: Two Officers Suspended Over Mishandling of Medical Student Case
In a significant development, the Patna police have suspended two officers with immediate effect following a thorough review of the Chitragupt Nagar police station case. This case pertains to the alleged rape and murder of an 18-year-old medical aspirant at a girls’ hostel located in the state capital. The decisive action was prompted by a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, which conclusively indicated that the victim had been sexually assaulted, adding a grave dimension to the investigation.
Details of the Suspension and Charges
According to an official statement released by the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Patna, the suspended officers are Chitragupt Nagar station house officer Roshni Kumari and additional station house officer of Kadamkuan police station, sub-inspector Hemant Jha. Both have been placed under suspension and face charges of failing to gather crucial intelligence and not taking timely action in this sensitive matter. The suspensions were formally ordered in the early hours of Sunday, after senior police officials conducted a meticulous review of the case handling and acknowledged clear negligence at the lower levels of the police hierarchy.
Background of the Case and Alleged Negligence
There had been prior allegations suggesting that the Chitragupt Nagar SHO was aware of the incident from its very inception but failed to act appropriately, resulting in a significant delay in the investigation process. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the station incharge did not visit the place of occurrence—the girls’ hostel—for three full days after the incident came to light. This lack of prompt response has raised serious questions about the efficiency and commitment of the local police force in handling such critical cases.
The victim, a young woman diligently preparing for a medical entrance examination, was found unconscious in her room on January 6. Tragically, she later succumbed to her injuries during treatment at a private hospital on January 11. Her father lodged a formal complaint on January 9, alleging that his daughter had been sexually assaulted and murdered, which set the stage for the subsequent police investigation and internal review.
Sequence of Events and Police Response
As per the information available with the police, SHO Roshni Kumari received initial details about the incident from the Kadamkuan police station while she was attending a meeting at Gandhi Maidan. After receiving this information, she proceeded to the hospital and spoke with the doctors who were attending to the victim. However, in a critical lapse, she did not personally visit the hostel where the girl was found unconscious. Instead, she delegated this crucial task by sending her driver to locate the hostel.
The driver later provided statements to reporters, explaining that he reached the hostel on January 9 after locating the area with the assistance of local residents. He claimed that hostel staff initially refused to allow him entry into the premises, forcing him to wait outside for an extended period. "I went inside and first removed the DVR and brought it to the police station," he recounted, adding that the gates were opened only after he called the police for intervention. This account highlights the procedural delays and communication gaps that may have hampered the initial stages of the investigation.
The suspension of these officers underscores the Patna police's commitment to accountability and transparency in law enforcement. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely and effective action in cases involving heinous crimes, particularly those affecting vulnerable individuals in educational settings. The ongoing investigation continues to seek justice for the victim and her family, with authorities emphasizing the need for rigorous follow-up to ensure such lapses are not repeated in the future.
