Bihar Chief Minister Seeks Central Agency Intervention in Sensitive Case
In a significant development concerning the tragic death of a medical aspirant from Jehanabad, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has officially recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged rape and murder case. The Chief Minister has written to the central government, urging that the investigation be transferred from the state police to the central agency to ensure what he described as a transparent, fair and impartial examination of the circumstances.
Official Communication and Social Media Announcement
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary shared this development through social media platforms, stating clearly: "CM of Bihar Nitish Kumar has urged the govt of India to hand over the investigation to the CBI. The incident must be uncovered in a transparent and just manner." This public declaration underscores the political significance and sensitivity surrounding the case that has captured statewide attention.
Legal Framework and Procedural Requirements
The state home department has issued an official notification recommending the CBI probe under the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, which governs the functioning of the central investigative agency. Since law and order remains a state subject under India's constitutional framework, the transfer requires prior approval from both the Bihar government and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Government of India.
Official sources indicate that the DoPT is expected to issue the necessary notification shortly, following which the CBI will register a fresh case based on the First Information Report originally lodged by Patna police. Investigators from the central agency are anticipated to:
- Collect all evidence gathered thus far by state police authorities
- Conduct fresh recordings of statements from multiple key parties
- Interview suspects, the arrested individual, and relevant hospital staff
- Record statements from family members and the police officers who initially investigated the case
Background of the Case and Family's Distrust
This development emerges against a backdrop of serious allegations by the deceased student's family, who have consistently claimed there has been a cover-up attempt by state police. The family has expressed deep distrust in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Bihar Director General of Police on January 16, despite having met with the state's top police official.
Reports indicate the family left their meeting with the DGP in anger, subsequently refused to meet with the deputy chief minister, and returned to their hometown of Jehanabad, demonstrating their profound dissatisfaction with the state-level investigation process.
Chronology of Events and Societal Impact
The minor girl from Jehanabad, who was preparing for medical entrance examinations, was found unconscious at a girls' hostel in Patna on January 6. After being shifted to multiple hospitals for treatment, she tragically succumbed to her condition on January 11.
This heartbreaking incident has fueled:
- Widespread student protests across educational institutions
- Significant political outrage and demands for accountability
- Intense public scrutiny of law enforcement procedures
- The family's unwavering commitment to pursue justice through all available means
The family has vowed to persist in their quest for justice until what they describe as full and complete accountability is achieved, making this case a focal point for discussions about women's safety, investigative transparency, and institutional accountability in Bihar.
