Patna: The investigation into the rape and death of a NEET aspirant has entered a crucial phase after forensic experts found sperm on the victim’s undergarments. Following this development, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the medical team have ускорed DNA profiling to identify the accused.
On Tuesday, DNA samples of six young men linked to the Shambhu Girls’ Hostel were collected under the supervision of a magistrate and a medical team at Gardanibagh Hospital in Patna. The process took nearly two hours. All samples were sealed and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), where they will be matched with the DNA extracted from the biological evidence found on the victim’s clothes.
Why Were These Six Boys Chosen?
According to the SIT, all six suspects had frequent access to the hostel premises. Some of them were seen near the hostel before and after the incident. CCTV footage, call detail records, and location data placed a few of them in the area on the day of the crime. Hostel staff also identified some of these individuals as regular visitors.
In one case, CCTV footage showed a suspect entering the hostel premises without a proper register entry and moving near the floor where the victim’s room was located. Another suspect was reportedly close to hostel staff and used to enter the hostel without restriction. One of the suspects was seen loitering around the hostel on the night of the incident, and his mobile location data also placed him in the same area.
Investigators said another youth had frequent contact with the hostel operator, and his entry-exit timings matched CCTV visuals. Although one of the suspects is a minor, his presence near the hostel at the relevant time was confirmed by witnesses, following which his DNA sample was taken with special legal precautions.
DNA Samples from the Victim’s Family
Along with the suspects, DNA samples of the victim’s close family members have also been collected to prepare a reference profile of the deceased.
The victim’s mother’s sample has been taken to create a family reference DNA profile, ensuring accurate identification of the victim’s genetic material. The father’s sample will help confirm the victim’s genetic profile as part of standard forensic procedure.
The victim’s brother’s DNA has been taken to strengthen the family DNA structure, while samples from two maternal uncles have been collected to confirm the maternal genetic line. Investigators said multiple reference samples from the maternal side will make the forensic report scientifically strong and legally unquestionable in court.
Next Steps
The FSL will now compare the DNA from the victim’s clothes with the samples collected from the six suspects and the family members. Police officials said the results will play a decisive role in determining the identity of the perpetrator.
The SIT continues to question hostel staff and review CCTV footage, call records, and digital evidence. Authorities have said the investigation is being conducted with full scientific and legal rigor to ensure justice for the victim.
