Patna: Even though the Bihar government has recommended a CBI inquiry into the death of a NEET aspirant living in a girls’ hostel in the Chitragupt Nagar police station area, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is continuing its probe and reviewing the case at multiple levels.
The SIT is re-examining all aspects where evidence needs to be collected. So far, blood samples of more than 20 suspects, including the hostel building owner who has been arrested and sent to jail, have been taken and subjected to DNA testing. The team is now set to collect blood samples from eight more suspects for further DNA analysis.
A SIT team has again visited Jehanabad as part of the investigation. However, 35 days after the incident, the police still do not have clear answers to key questions: where and when the sexual assault took place, and who is responsible.
Student Found Unconscious in Hostel
The student was found unconscious in the girls’ hostel on January 6 and was admitted to a private hospital. A case was registered at Chitragupt Nagar police station on January 9. She died during treatment on January 11.
A day later, a medical board was formed and a post-mortem was conducted at PMCH. Even before the post-mortem report was available, the police, based on the statement of a private hospital doctor, said there was no confirmation of sexual assault.
Police Action Under Scanner
On January 15, police said the post-mortem report mentioned that sexual assault could not be ruled out. After this, serious questions were raised about the police’s handling of the case. Despite mounting criticism, no immediate action was taken against the officers initially responsible for the investigation.
On the same day, the building owner was arrested. Following orders from the Director General of Police (DGP), an SIT was formed to probe the case. On January 25, another crucial forensic report was received by the police.
Sperm Traces Found on Underwear
Forensic biological tests confirmed the presence of human sperm traces on the victim’s underwear. A DNA profile was prepared from the sample so it could be matched with those of suspects.
Based on this, the SIT collected DNA samples from more than 20 people. After continuous questions over the investigation, the state government on January 31 recommended a CBI inquiry to the Centre.
Meanwhile, police have examined the student’s travel history, mobile phone data, CCTV footage and questioned several people in Patna and Jehanabad. Four IPS officers, two SDPOs, four inspectors and several other police personnel are currently involved in trying to solve the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
