RJD demands CBI probe as NEET aspirant’s post-mortem triggers political storm

The post-mortem report of a NEET aspirant, who was found unconscious in her hostel room in Patna last week and later died during treatment, indicating possible sexual assault has triggering widespread protests. The victim’s family has alleged rape and murder, accusing the authorities of attempting a cover-up.

Taking cognisance of the matter, the government late on Friday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.

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Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor met the victim’s family at their home in Jehanabad on Friday and assured the victim’s father that their voice would be raised.

On Saturday, Kishor met Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma along with the victim’s father and other relatives. He demanded strict action against the accused and sought the withdrawal of the FIR lodged against those who had protested against the incident.

After the meeting, Kishor expressed hope that the SIT would conduct an impartial investigation, ensure punishment for the guilty, and deliver justice to the victim’s family.

Responding to questions about trust in the Patna police, Kishor said that had there been no lapses on the part of the administration, such a massive public uproar would not have occurred.

Earlier, the Patna Police had ruled out the possibility of sexual assault. City SP Parichay Kumar had told the media that the gynaecologist who examined the girl on the first day of her hospitalisation “had not found any evidence of sexual assault.”

However, addressing media queries on Saturday regarding alleged lapses in the initial investigation, SSP Kartikeya Sharma said that an SIT had been constituted and the scope of the probe significantly expanded.

He added that the forensic report is awaited and that the student’s mobile phone is also undergoing forensic examination. Further action would be taken based on the evidence that emerges.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav launched an attack on the government. The RJD leader accused the administration of attempting to suppress the matter and called for a CBI probe into the entire episode to ensure that influential culprits are sent behind bars.