Shambhu Girls’ Hostel Reopened After Court Order, But Parents Remain Disheartened

Patna: Following a court directive, the Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna was reopened on Tuesday under police supervision, nearly a month after the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant from Jehanabad. Students who had been staying at the hostel returned with their parents to collect their belongings, highlighting lingering fears and disappointment among guardians.

Court-Ordered Reopening

The hostel had been closed since the tragic incident, leaving some students’ personal items behind. Upon arrival, police officials coordinated with hostel staff to open the main gate and supervise the retrieval of belongings. A masked individual, called by the police, assisted in unlocking the premises. A crowd of concerned parents and onlookers had gathered outside the hostel during this process.

Parents Express Concern

Jitendra Kumar, who came from Arwal with his daughter, said, “After the incident, all the students left the hostel and returned home, leaving their belongings behind. Today we came with police assistance to collect her things. It is frightening to even think of sending children to the city for education now.” Many parents expressed similar apprehensions and disappointment over the handling of the case.

Investigation Reveals Serious Lapses

The incident occurred on the night of 5–6 January, when a NEET student was found unconscious in the hostel under suspicious circumstances. She succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital on 11 January, sparking widespread outrage across Bihar. Initially, the hostel administration and Patna Police suggested it was a case of suicide, but no suicide note was found.

After inconsistencies and lapses in the police investigation came to light, and in response to public protests and pressure from civil society and political leaders, the state government handed over the case to the CBI. The investigation now explores the possibility of sexual assault and murder.

The reopening of Shambhu Girls’ Hostel marks a procedural step, but for parents and the local community, concerns about student safety continue to loom large.