CBI takes over probe into NEET aspirant’s death in Patna

The CBI has formally registered an FIR and started investigating the suspicious death of the NEET aspirant from Jehanabad at a girls’ hostel in Patna. The central investigative agency registered the case under number 7S/26 against several unidentified individuals.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had recommended a CBI probe into the case on 31 January after widespread protests against the Bihar Police for alleged negligence and a cover-up in the case.

Advertisement

The student was found unconscious in her hostel on 6 January. She was taken to private hospitals, where she remained on ventilator support and died on 11 January. The hospital’s initial report cited an overdose of sleeping pills and typhoid as the cause of death.

A post-mortem conducted at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Patna, on 12 January revealed signs of sexual violence, including injuries, scratches, and signs of struggle, but the exact cause of death could not be determined. Later, forensic examination of her clothes found traces of sperm.

As soon as the incident came to light, widespread anger was witnessed across the state. Protests followed over alleged sexual harassment and lack of security in hostels.

Following protests, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed. But the victim’s family alleged that the local police were downplaying the seriousness of the case and attempting to protect certain influential individuals. Later, they met Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and demanded a high-level investigation.

Student organisations, social activists, and political parties also demanded a fair investigation and repeatedly called for a CBI probe.

Announcing the Bihar government’s decision of handing over the case to the CBI, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary wrote on social media platform X, “Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, has requested the Government of India to have the CBI investigate the NEET student’s murder case in Patna (Case No. 14/26). It must be ensured that the incident is uncovered in a transparent and just manner.”