Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Recommends CBI Investigation Into NEET Aspirant's Death in Patna
In a significant development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday formally recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic death of a NEET aspirant in the state capital of Patna. The chief minister has written to the central government seeking a thorough central investigation into this sensitive case, which has sparked widespread public outrage and serious allegations of police inaction.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Initial Police Response
The student, who was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), died during medical treatment on January 11 after allegedly consuming sleeping pills at a private hostel in Patna. Initially, police authorities claimed there was no evidence of foul play in the incident. However, the subsequent post-mortem examination report revealed disturbing findings, confirming the presence of injury marks on the victim's body and evidence of sexual assault, completely contradicting the initial police assessment.
Growing Public Outrage and Student Protests
The case has triggered massive public protests across Bihar, with female students of Patna University taking out a significant protest march on Friday demanding justice for the victim. The demonstration, named 'Beti Bachao Nyay March', proceeded from Magadh Mahila College to Kargil Chowk, where students staged a powerful demonstration and vociferously demanded a CBI inquiry into the entire matter. The protest highlighted the growing public distrust in the state police's handling of the investigation.
Family's Allegations Against Police Authorities
Earlier on Friday, the victim's family met with Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar and made serious allegations against police officials. The family members claimed that police authorities were pressuring them to accept the death as a straightforward case of suicide and to deny any allegations of rape. Expressing complete loss of confidence in the state police machinery, the family firmly demanded a CBI probe to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation.
The victim's mother made even more serious allegations, claiming that police officials were actively attempting to suppress the case and that bribes had been accepted by those involved in the investigation. The victim's brother added that officials from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had specifically asked the family to accept that the student died by suicide, raising questions about the investigation's integrity.
Legal Proceedings and Government Response
A public interest litigation has been filed in the Patna High Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the entire matter, adding legal pressure for a thorough probe. Responding to the escalating situation, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary summoned DGP Vinay Kumar and Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit to review the ongoing investigation. During this high-level meeting, the SIT was directed to expedite the probe and ensure proper DNA matching of potential accused persons with samples recovered from the victim's clothing.
Current Investigation Status and Forensic Evidence
The Special Investigation Team has made considerable progress in the case, having collected DNA samples from 22 individuals, including the hostel owner and various staff members. Forensic reports have confirmed the presence of human sperm on the victim's undergarments, and DNA profiling is currently underway to identify the perpetrator. Several suspects, including hostel owner Manish Ranjan, have been extensively questioned as the investigation continues to unfold.
The case has highlighted serious concerns about student safety in private hostels and the responsiveness of law enforcement agencies in handling sensitive cases involving violence against women. The recommendation for a CBI probe by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar represents a crucial step toward ensuring justice for the victim and restoring public confidence in the investigative process.
