The special investigation team in Patna has taken significant steps in its probe into the tragic death of an 18-year-old medical aspirant. On Sunday, investigators questioned doctors and staff members at the private hospital where the young student first received medical treatment.
Background of the Case
The student, who hailed from Jehanabad district, was discovered unconscious in her hostel room on January 6. She passed away five days later on January 11 at a different private medical facility. The case took a serious turn when the post-mortem examination conducted by Patna Medical College and Hospital's medical board indicated that sexual assault could not be ruled out as a possibility.
Formation of the Investigation Team
This finding prompted Bihar's Director General of Police Vinay Kumar to order the formation of a special investigation team. The SIT operates under the supervision of Patna range Inspector General Jitendra Rana, demonstrating the high priority given to this sensitive case.
Hospital Under Scrutiny
The private hospital, owned by a prominent surgeon, now faces intense examination. Investigators spent Sunday reviewing medical records and treatment details from the student's initial admission. The SIT team, led by Patna Sadar Assistant Superintendent of Police Abhinav Kumar and Secretariat Sub-Divisional Police Officer I Anu Kumari, also visited Prabhat Memorial Hiramati Hospital.
This was the facility where the victim received treatment for three days before being transferred to another private hospital on January 10. Medical sources indicate her condition had significantly deteriorated during her stay at this hospital.
Contradictory Medical Reports
The most serious allegations against the hospital center on its medical documentation. While the student remained in critical condition, the hospital's reports explicitly denied any occurrence of sexual assault. However, the subsequent post-mortem examination conducted by PMCH presented a contradictory finding.
The official post-mortem report confirmed that "sexual violence cannot be ruled out" and documented both genital and physical injuries. Interestingly, the hospital had reserved determination of the cause of death pending receipt of all treatment papers, a point specifically highlighted in the post-mortem documentation.
Investigation Progress
The SIT's questioning extended to the treating physicians, with investigators thoroughly reviewing the student's complete medical history. Police officials confirmed they seized certain documents for further forensic examination and analysis.
ASP Abhinav Kumar addressed reporters about the ongoing investigation. "The investigation is proceeding systematically," he stated. "Police are exploring every possible angle and working strictly based on scientific evidence. We will make concrete facts public as soon as they emerge. However, we cannot share further details at this stage to avoid jeopardizing the investigation process."
Multiple Investigation Angles
Sources familiar with the probe revealed the SIT is investigating several critical aspects. These include examining the role of hostel management, reconstructing the student's activities prior to her hospitalization, and analyzing the circumstances surrounding her medical treatment at multiple facilities.
Police officials emphasized that a clear picture regarding the exact cause of death will only emerge once the comprehensive investigation concludes. They stressed the importance of methodical evidence collection and analysis.
Canceled Press Conference
In a related development, the hospital administration canceled a planned press conference scheduled for Sunday at 2 PM following the SIT's visit. Hospital authorities posted a notice on the main gate explaining their decision.
The notice read clearly: "The investigation into this matter is being conducted by the special investigation team. In view of this development, it is not possible to organize a press conference. Any information regarding the matter will only be provided by the official investigation team."
The case continues to develop as investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry in their search for answers about this young medical aspirant's untimely death.
