Patna Girls’ Hostel Case: Post-Mortem Report Raises Suspicions of Sexual Assault, Police Initial Claims Questioned

Patna:
The mysterious death of a NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Chitragupt Nagar, Patna has taken a disturbing turn, as the post-mortem report now suggests possible sexual assault, contradicting earlier claims by the police of a drug overdose or natural causes. The case has sparked widespread outrage among citizens and student communities across Bihar.

Initial Police Claims Under Scrutiny

Initially, the Patna Police had attributed the student’s death to an overdose of sleeping pills, linking it to her alleged addiction. Senior police officials dismissed the family’s concerns, labeling the death as natural and unrelated to any foul play. They also cited her Google search history on sleeping medications as evidence. However, the post-mortem report’s preliminary findings have challenged these claims, indicating that sexual violence cannot be ruled out, giving credence to the family’s long-standing allegation of gangrape and murder.

Family and Public Outrage

The student’s family, along with supporters from her hometown Jehanabad and surrounding districts, have consistently demanded justice. The post-mortem revelations have intensified public anger, especially on social media, where the Patna Police are being heavily questioned for their handling of the case.

Arrests Made Amid Pressure

Following mounting pressure and emerging evidence, the police arrested Manish Kumar Ranjan, the owner of Shambhu Girls’ Hostel. News of the arrest and confirmation of sexual assault sparked protests, with student organizations and citizens marching from R-Block to Income Tax Golambar, demanding justice. Slogans like “Justice for the student” and “Hang the guilty” echoed across the city.

Calls for Fast-Track Trial and Police Accountability

The family has demanded a fast-track court trial to ensure swift justice. They are also pressing for action against police officials who allegedly attempted to misdirect the investigation and portray the incident as a drug-related death.

This case, now under intense public and media scrutiny, has become a significant challenge for the Bihar government, highlighting concerns about student safety, police accountability, and the handling of sexual assault cases in institutional settings.