Patna Medical Student Suicide Case: SIT Investigates Conflicting Evidence
Police in Patna have concluded their initial probe into the death of an 18-year-old medical aspirant. They state she died by suicide at a girls' hostel. However, the motive remains unclear. This has sparked conflicting findings and strong allegations from her family.
Special Investigation Team Works Non-Stop
A dedicated seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) is working around the clock. Their goal is to assemble evidence and resolve lingering doubts in the case. On Monday, the SIT questioned key individuals. These included Dr. Satish Kumar, the CMD of Dr. Prabhat Memorial Hiramati Hospital. The girl was admitted there for three days. Her maternal uncle was also questioned.
The team meticulously reconstructed the student's final movements. They paid particular attention to the route between the hospital and Jehanabad. Jehanabad is her native place. She visited there on December 26 and returned to Patna on January 5. Tragically, she was found unconscious inside her locked hostel room on January 6 around 4 PM.
Wide-Ranging Statements and Technical Scrutiny
The SIT recorded statements from multiple sources during a visit to her village in Jehanabad on Sunday. Family members, classmates, and locals all provided accounts. The team was led by five women police officers. Station House Officer Meneka Rani from Parsa police station headed the group. Personnel from the local Jehanabad police station also accompanied them.
At the same time, technical scrutiny has intensified across several fronts. Investigators are thoroughly examining CCTV footage from various locations. This includes the hostel and surrounding areas. Cellphone tower location data and call detail records (CDRs) are under detailed analysis. Technical experts are also carefully reviewing the victim's social media presence and other digital footprints.
A senior police official spoke on condition of anonymity. He said, "Every possible clue is being investigated to ensure no loopholes remain. The team is visiting all the places where the student went and questioning people." The police are also trying to determine where the girl acquired three strips of sleeping pills. These were recovered from her hostel room. No arrests have been made so far.
Forensic Examination and Conflicting Medical Reports
Forensic examination will play a crucial role in this case. The postmortem report from PMCH already indicates that sexual violence cannot be ruled out. This finding contradicts earlier police assertions. It also prompted the escalation to an SIT-led investigation. However, the police have sought a second opinion on this report from AIIMS-Patna experts. That opinion is still awaited.
Separately, samples collected from the hostel room were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Patna. A detailed toxicology examination is underway. ADG, CID, Parasnath, stated that every aspect of the room was examined. All evidence was collected by the team. "This evidence is now being scientifically examined. The DNA report is expected within five to six days. We cannot share the report until the investigation is complete," he said on Monday.
Conflicting medical information adds another layer of complexity. A 127-page medical report from the private hospital states the student suffered a serious head injury. However, the postmortem report prepared by a medical board at PMCH makes no mention of this specific head injury.
A police official confirmed the private hospital report mentioned the head injury. He said, "It is not clear how the girl suffered the head injury." He added that the girl died by suicide, but the reason remains unclear. Regarding the hint of sexual assault in the postmortem report, he stated, "The investigation so far suggests that it did not happen in Patna and the hostel, as we checked the CCTV footage from the station to the hostel."
