The suspicious death of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant at a girls’ hostel in Chitragupt Nagar, Patna, has sparked outrage across Bihar. The student, a resident of Jehanabad district, had been staying in the hostel while preparing for medical entrance coaching.
The student was found unconscious in her room on January 6 and passed away during treatment on January 11. Initial investigations suggested an overdose of sleeping pills, but a fresh post-mortem report has taken the case in a new direction.
The report, released four days after the incident, indicates multiple injuries, scratches, and severe trauma to her private parts, suggesting a possible struggle. It also notes that the student was menstruating at the time, which may have affected some aspects of the investigation but strengthens the angle of sexual assault. The findings have prompted a complete shift in the police investigation.
In response to the family’s demand, Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe Chitragupt Nagar Police Station Case No. 14/26. IG Patna Jitendra Rana will oversee the SIT’s investigation and receive daily updates. Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary also took note of the case and shared news of the SIT formation on social media.
SSP Kartikeya Sharma stated that the post-mortem report would be sent to Patna AIIMS for a second opinion to rule out any technical errors or bias. Police are examining CCTV footage, mobile data, and call detail records (CDRs) from the hostel and surrounding areas. Interrogations are ongoing with hostel residents, staff, and neighbors. SSP Sharma assured the family that all evidence would be shared to eliminate any suspicion.
The student’s family alleges that the hostel management delayed reporting the incident and even offered bribes ranging from ₹10–15 lakh to suppress the matter. Distrusting the local police, they have demanded a CBI probe.
The case has also attracted political attention. Jan Suraj Party founder Prashant Kishor met the family, assuring them justice and raising questions about the police investigation process.
The case has gone viral on social media, with citizens expressing concerns over the safety of female students and security arrangements in girls’ hostels.
All eyes are now on the SIT’s findings, AIIMS expert opinion, and subsequent court proceedings. Police have promised that the guilty will not be spared and that impartial justice will be ensured.
This incident has raised a broader question about the safety of girls and the management of hostels in Bihar, extending beyond the tragic death of a single student.
