Patna: Sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act will now be applied in the case of a NEET aspirant who died while staying at Shambhu Girls Hostel in Patna, police confirmed on Tuesday. The development follows the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report, which detected the presence of male sperm on the student’s clothing, confirming sexual assault. The student, identified as a minor, had been receiving medical treatment after falling ill at the hostel.
Investigation Expands
Following the FSL findings, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to include additional sections in the case. The Crime Investigation Department (CID) has also joined the probe. Investigators are preparing a DNA profile from the biological evidence found on the student’s clothes. A total of 15 individuals, including the hostel owner Manish Ranjan, are being considered for DNA matching. This list also includes people with whom the student reportedly had long phone conversations. Call detail records (CDRs) from the student’s mobile phone have been obtained to assist in the investigation.
Family Raises Concerns Over Initial Investigation
The student’s father had earlier written to Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar, questioning the role of Chitragupta Nagar police station in-charge Roshni Kumari. The family alleged that the investigation was deliberately misled from the start, highlighting delays in scrutinising mobile records of the hostel owner and manager, Neelam Agarwal. Family members suspect a ‘powerful hand’ may be obstructing justice.
Police Suspensions Amid Negligence Allegations
Two officers, SHO Roshni Kumari and Kadamkuan sub-inspector Hemant Jha, were suspended following an internal review. Officials stated that despite receiving timely information, both officers failed to secure the hostel, the student’s room, or her belongings, and initiated action only three days after the incident. Senior officers were reportedly misled during the initial stages of the case.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities emphasising that DNA testing of all identified individuals will be conducted as part of the case.
