Patna: The investigation into the death of a NEET aspirant in Patna has come under renewed judicial scrutiny after a special POCSO court raised a series of questions about the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) closure report.
On Tuesday, the court of Special Judge Rajiv Ranjan Raman handed the CBI a list of 68 questions concerning its investigation, including its conclusions on the alleged sexual assault, forensic findings and the handling of evidence.
The court has also sought answers to 39 questions from the deceased student’s mother, focusing on the student’s health, hostel experience and conversations before the incident.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November 6, 2026.
What Is the CBI’s Final Conclusion on the Alleged Sexual Assault?
The court has asked the investigating agency to clarify whether its conclusion is that no crime occurred and what its final findings are regarding the allegation of sexual assault.
The CBI filed its closure report on October 6, reportedly stating that investigators had not found conclusive leads to establish the allegations.
The court’s questions seek to establish how the agency assessed the available evidence and arrived at its conclusion. The questions do not, by themselves, establish whether a crime occurred or whether the investigation’s findings are correct.
What Did the Forensic Examination of the Student’s Undergarments Reveal?
Forensic evidence is a central issue in the court’s review.
The CBI has been asked to explain what the examination of the student’s clothing and undergarments revealed, including whether semen or other biological material was detected.
The court has also sought clarification on whether DNA identification was possible and, if not, what scientific limitations prevented it.
Investigators will need to explain how the forensic findings were evaluated alongside other evidence collected during the investigation.
The available information does not establish a definitive forensic finding of sexual assault or its absence. The court is seeking the agency’s explanation of the evidence and the conclusions drawn from it.
Court Questions Handling of Evidence and Hostel Room
The list of questions also addresses the collection, preservation and examination of evidence.
Among the issues raised are:
- Who sealed the room on the hostel’s fifth floor, when it was sealed and under whose authority?
- How many strips were seized on January 10 and January 20, and how many were subsequently recovered?
- Where was the student first found unconscious, who found her and what was her physical condition at the time?
- Did investigators compare the timestamps on the digital video recorder (DVR) with the actual time?
- Did the CBI examine the earlier case diary, medical reports, seizure records and witness statements from the Bihar Police investigation?
The answers could help the court assess the sequence of events, the handling of evidence and the basis for the closure report.
Mother Asked 39 Questions About Student’s Health and Final Conversation
The court has also sought detailed information from the student’s mother about the circumstances before her daughter’s death.
The questions reportedly concern whether the student had complained of illness, mental distress, harassment, threats or any unusual incident.
The court has asked about medicines she may have been taking, medical treatment and prescriptions, and whether she had expressed concerns about the hostel, its management or other residents.
The mother has also been asked about:
- When her daughter left home and what they discussed in their final conversation before the incident.
- What the student said after reaching Patna about her health, food, medication or accommodation.
- Whether she mentioned meeting any particular person.
- Whether call records, messages or other relevant information were provided to investigators.
- Who first informed the family that the student was unwell or unconscious.
- What doctors said about her condition when she was admitted to hospital.
These questions are intended to help the court understand the information available to the family and the circumstances preceding the student’s death.
Victim’s Mother Challenges the Closure Report
The deceased student’s mother has filed a protest-cum-complaint petition opposing the CBI’s closure report.
According to the report, the petition alleges shortcomings in the investigation and seeks rejection of the closure report. It also asks the court to take cognisance of the matter or order further investigation.
The family has questioned why hostel owner Manish Kumar Ranjan, who had previously been jailed in connection with the case, was not taken on remand by the CBI.
The petition further alleges that he was released because a chargesheet was not filed within three months. These are allegations made by the victim’s side and have not been established as judicial findings.
Timeline: From Student’s Death to CBI Closure Report
The student died on January 11, 2026. The Patna Police initially investigated the case before a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed.
Following a recommendation for a CBI probe on January 31, the central agency took over the investigation on February 12.
After approximately eight months of investigation, the CBI filed its closure report on October 6. The special court has now sought answers to questions about the findings and the investigation process.
What Happens Next?
The CBI will be required to address the questions raised by the court, while the victim’s mother continues to challenge the closure report.
The court’s next hearing is scheduled for November 6. The proceedings will help determine how the court assesses the agency’s conclusions and the objections raised by the family.
For now, the closure report remains under judicial consideration. The court’s questions should not be interpreted as a final finding either confirming or ruling out the alleged sexual assault.
