Bihar Government Seeks CBI Probe into NEET Student’s Death at Patna Hostel

Patna: The Bihar government has decided to escalate the investigation into the death of a NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna by requesting a CBI inquiry. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has formally approached the central government to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a transparent and impartial probe.

Family Alleges Rape and Murder
The deceased student’s family has raised serious allegations over lapses in the police investigation. They claim that the student, a minor from Jehanabad district preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), was sexually assaulted and murdered. Dissatisfied with the local police probe, the family has demanded a high-level investigation. On January 28, the student’s father sought a judicial inquiry and warned of self-immolation if justice was not served.

Timeline of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred at the Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Chitragupt Nagar. The student was found unconscious in her room on January 6 and was admitted to a private hospital, where she remained in a coma until her death on January 11.

Forensic Evidence and Suspect Screening
On January 27, forensic teams collected blood samples from 11 individuals, including the hostel owner, five family members of the deceased, and six other suspects identified from CCTV footage. DNA testing is underway to determine any links between the suspects and the crime.

Sexual Assault Suspected
The forensic report confirmed the presence of sperm on the student’s clothing, further strengthening suspicions of sexual assault. Since the student was a minor, provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are being invoked. The postmortem conducted at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) also indicated signs of sexual assault, contrary to initial police findings.

Police Accountability and Administrative Action
Following allegations of procedural lapses, two Station House Officers — Roshni Kumari of Chitragupt Nagar and Hemant Jha of Kadamkuan police stations — were suspended. Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Samrat Chaudhary, summoned the DGP Vinay Kumar and Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit to review the investigation. Chaudhary also met senior police and administrative officials to assess the case’s progress and ensure accountability.

The Bihar government’s move to involve the CBI marks a significant step toward restoring public confidence and ensuring a thorough, impartial investigation into the tragic death of the NEET student.