Patna: Large crowds took to the streets of Patna on Friday, clashing with police during a protest over the alleged rape and death of a NEET student, as her family accused investigators of failing to deliver justice months after the incident.
Demonstrators gathered at the Income Tax intersection before marching towards the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office, pushing past police barricades set up to contain the crowd. Protesters, including a significant number of women, carried placards alleging negligence in the investigation and demanding swift action.
Many had travelled from neighbouring districts, including Jehanabad, to join what organisers described as a “justice march”. The protest later moved along Bailey Road, with some attempting to head towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office.
The student’s mother, who joined the demonstration, said she had lost faith in the CBI inquiry. “I want the death penalty for those responsible,” she said, calling for immediate action. The family has maintained that the student was murdered and that delays in the investigation suggest attempts to shield those involved.
The case dates back to January 11, 2026, when the student was found dead at the Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna. Forensic analysis reportedly confirmed the presence of sperm on her clothing, but investigators have yet to identify either the perpetrator or the circumstances leading to her death.
Initially handled by Patna Police and a special investigation team (SIT), the case was later transferred to the CBI amid concerns over the local investigation. However, after months without a chargesheet, a court raised questions about the agency’s progress, prompting the probe to be reassigned to a Delhi-based CBI unit.
Legal proceedings have so far seen the arrest of the hostel owner, Manish Ranjan, who remains in custody in Beur Jail. A Patna court rejected his bail plea in March, citing concerns raised by the victim’s family over gaps in the investigation.
Opposition MP Pappu Yadav joined the protest, criticising both the authorities and what he described as wider societal indifference. He questioned why arrests had not been made in the case and said he had repeatedly raised the issue in parliament without response.
“Is any daughter safe?” he asked, accusing political leaders of silence. He also alleged that investigators had questioned him about his support for the victim’s family rather than focusing on identifying suspects.
Protesters echoed similar concerns, pointing to the lack of a chargesheet even after several months. “Who is being protected?” one demonstrator asked, as calls grew for accountability from both investigators and authorities.
The case has also raised broader concerns about safety in private hostels, particularly for students who move to cities like Patna to prepare for competitive examinations such as NEET. Families and activists have demanded stricter oversight of hostel management and faster judicial processes in cases involving sexual violence.
The victim’s family has vowed to continue protesting until arrests are made and the investigation shows tangible progress, keeping public attention firmly fixed on the case and the institutions handling it.
