Who Is IPS Rajeev Ranjan? The CBI Officer Leading the Investigation into Patna NEET Student’s Death

Patna: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the tragic death of a NEET student from Patna. From Patna to Jehanabad, the agency is meticulously collecting evidence. Recently, the CBI even seized the mobile phone of the deceased student’s brother during its investigation in Jehanabad. At the helm of this sensitive case is IPS officer Rajeev Ranjan, who, along with his team, is overseeing every aspect of the inquiry and conducting detailed questioning of the victim’s family.

2005 Batch IPS Officer from Bihar
Rajeev Ranjan is a 2005-batch IPS officer of the Sikkim cadre. He currently serves as the Joint Director (IG) of the CBI for Bihar and Jharkhand, operating from the agency’s Ranchi headquarters. Hailing from Manderi village in the Karghar police station area of Rohtas district, Bihar, Rajeev’s father, the late Murli Prasad, was a teacher. He completed his early schooling at Sarvodaya School in Nokha, followed by studies in Ara and Patna. After graduating from Patna College of Commerce, he cleared the UPSC examination and joined the Indian Police Service.

Experience in Security and Anti-Terror Operations
Before joining the CBI, Rajeev Ranjan served extensively in the CRPF. He led special security teams for the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura. He also played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. As DIG of the Hiranagar range in Nagrota, he led several successful operations against terrorists. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal in 2025.

Key Roles in High-Profile Investigations
This is Rajeev Ranjan’s second tenure in the CBI, having previously served from 2011 to 2018. He has been at the forefront of several major investigations:

• Fodder Scam: He played a decisive role in the ₹950 crore fodder scam investigation, which led to the conviction of RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav.
• IRCTC Scam: He oversaw the probe into the land-for-jobs/hotel scam during Laloo Yadav’s tenure as Rail Minister, which implicated Laloo, Rabri Devi, and Tejashwi Yadav.
• Anti-Corruption Expertise: Rajeev has also served as SP in the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Kolkata and Bhubaneswar.

Known for his meticulous approach and fearlessness, IPS Rajeev Ranjan is regarded as one of the most efficient and respected officers in India’s law enforcement community, commanding respect even among the most notorious offenders.