Patna Medical Aspirant's Tragic Death Sparks Family's Fight for Justice
A young woman arrived in Patna with one clear dream. She wanted to wear a white coat and heal people as a doctor. Just eighteen years old, this medical aspirant traveled from her village home in Jehanabad to the city's busy coaching centers in May 2024. Her journey was fueled by pure determination and strong confidence.
Coming from a modest family, her story reflected the hopes of countless small-town students aiming for a career in medicine. Her hard work brought success last year when she passed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test on her very first try. The score earned her a place in a dental course, but she refused to settle. Determined to improve her rank and secure an MBBS seat, she returned to Patna in May 2025 to prepare once more.
Family Support and a Sudden Tragedy
Her family stood firmly behind her choice, even though it meant emotional and financial strain. They were sending their only daughter, one of two children, away from home. Nobody could have imagined that her pursuit of excellence would end in a tragedy that now leaves them searching for answers and fighting for justice.
On January 5, she arrived by train from Jehanabad around 1:30 PM. Her conversations with parents and a friend that day were cheerful and normal. She spoke to them again at about 9 PM that night. The next day, January 6, someone found her unconscious in her locked hostel room around 5 PM. This discovery immediately raised questions within the family about the lack of earlier welfare checks, including for meals.
Authorities first took her to a private hospital. Later, they shifted her to other medical facilities. She remained in a coma for several days before succumbing on January 11.
Allegations of Foul Play and a Shifting Narrative
Her parents stated they noticed scratches and signs of struggle on her body. They suspected sexual assault and foul play. Police lodged an FIR on January 9 after a doctor initially confirmed physical trauma. The family alleged that the doctor later changed his statement following the FIR, possibly due to external pressure.
"Further, the hostel owner's wife, Neelam Agarwal, visited, pushing for a settlement," the victim's uncle told this newspaper on Sunday.
He alleged that the hostel building is owned by Manish Kumar Ranjan, who began living on the top floor with his family in 2025. "Ranjan has a criminal history, including theft cases, and his Aadhaar is tied to a relative's address in Makdumpur," the victim's uncle added.
Conflicting Reports and a Family's Resolve
Police initially ruled out foul play. They cited CCTV footage showing no unauthorized access to her room. They pointed to possible consumption of sleeping pills and academic stress, suggesting suicide. However, the PMCH post-mortem conducted on January 14 changed the direction of the case. It recorded multiple injuries, including scratches on the neck and shoulders, genital trauma, and indications of prolonged resistance.
The family firmly rejected the suicide theory. They said she showed no signs of mental distress. They questioned the source of the tablets, inconsistencies in explaining the injuries, and what they described as attempts to dilute statements. "We completely lost hope when the police gave their verdict and denied sexual assault. But with support from different sections of society, we hope that our daughter gets justice," the family said.
The uncle added, "We seek unvarnished justice, targeting not just the perpetrators but any enablers of concealment, including the role of hospitals."
