Bihar NEET Aspirant's Death: Forensic Evidence Sparks Foul Play Suspicions, Two Cops Suspended
In a significant development in the case of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant from Bihar's Jehanabad district, fresh forensic evidence has raised serious suspicions of foul play, leading to the suspension of two police officers. The teenager, who had cleared NEET in her first attempt last year but missed an MBBS seat by a narrow margin of two marks, was found unconscious in her Patna hostel room on January 6 and succumbed during treatment on January 11.
Forensic Findings Reveal Semen Evidence
According to a senior police officer, clothes belonging to the deceased, which were handed over by her family on January 10, were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) following due legal procedure. The FSL examination has detected human semen residues on one of the undergarments that the girl was purportedly wearing at the time of the incident. A DNA profile is currently being prepared from this evidence.
The officer further elaborated that this DNA profile will be matched with that of the detained accused as well as other suspects identified by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) as part of the ongoing probe. This forensic finding emerges more than two weeks after the teenager was found unconscious, with the investigation yet to reach a conclusive outcome.
Police Officers Suspended Amid Investigation Review
In response to the evolving case, Patna police have suspended Chitragupt Nagar police station house officer, Sub-inspector Roshni Kumari, and Kadamkuan assistant station house officer, Sub-inspector Hemant Jha, with immediate effect. A senior officer stated, "The action was taken during a review of the case, which indicated failure in intelligence gathering and timely action on their part."
Initially, police had treated the case as a suspected suicide, citing alleged consumption of sleeping pills and maintaining that there was no evidence of sexual assault. This stance was in direct contrast to the allegations made by the victim's family from the outset, who have consistently claimed sexual assault and foul play in her death.
Contradictory Medical Opinions and Family Allegations
The case has seen conflicting medical opinions. Patna City SP (East) Parichay Kumar had earlier told the media that a private gynaecologist who examined the girl on the first day of her hospitalisation "had not found any evidence of sexual assault." He also mentioned that CCTV footage from the hostel did not indicate foul play and that the girl's urine report showed consumption of sleeping pills.
However, a postmortem report conducted by a medical board at Patna Medical College and Hospital later stated that "sexual violence cannot be ruled out," prompting police to acknowledge a change in medical opinion. The autopsy noted injuries, including nail abrasions on the neck and bruises on the shoulder, arm, and forearm, and preserved viscera for further examination.
In an FIR lodged on January 9, the girl's father had expressed suspicion of sexual assault, citing injury marks on her body and head. The family has also alleged a lack of cooperation in accessing hostel CCTV footage earlier after the incident and raised concerns about the impartiality of the investigation. They have been demanding a CBI probe into the matter.
Ongoing SIT Investigation and Arrests
Police had previously arrested the owner of the hostel building, Manish Kumar Ranjan, in connection with the case. The medical samples and evidence were sent to Patna AIIMS for a second postmortem examination and opinion. Officials have emphasized that conclusions will be drawn only after all reports are received.
The Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) had ordered the formation of an SIT last week under the supervision of IG Central (Patna). This team has been investigating the matter from all angles, both in Patna and in Jehanabad, where the victim is originally from.
The tragic incident has triggered protests in Patna following the girl's death, with police registering a separate case in connection with the demonstrations. The community and the victim's family continue to seek justice as the investigation unfolds with these new forensic revelations.
