Patna Court Postpones Bail Hearing in NEET Student Death Case
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape and mysterious death of a NEET student at a girls' hostel in Patna, a local court on Thursday deferred the hearing on the bail plea of Manish Ranjan, the owner of the building where the hostel operated. The matter has been rescheduled for February 28, as the investigating agencies—Patna Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)—have not yet completed detailed questioning of key individuals and suspects involved in the case.
Court Expresses Displeasure Over Slow Investigation Progress
The hearing was presided over by district and additional sessions judge-VI-cum-POCSO court judge Rajeev Ranjan Raman, who expressed strong displeasure over the slow progress of the investigation. The court had earlier issued notices to the CBI and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), seeking justification for the continued custody of the accused. During the proceedings, representatives from both agencies, including investigating officers, were present in person to address the court's concerns.
The court emphasized that investigators must present a detailed chain of investigation, including comprehensive records of questioning, statements recorded, proper handling of evidence, and clear justification for the detention of the accused. This directive underscores the judicial scrutiny aimed at ensuring a thorough and transparent probe into the sensitive case.
Background of the Case and Arrest Details
Manish Ranjan has been in judicial custody at Beur Central Jail in Patna for the past 43 days. He was arrested by Patna Police on January 14, just three days after the student's death on January 11. The minor victim, a native of Jehanabad, was found unconscious in her hostel room on January 6 and later succumbed during treatment at a hospital.
Post-mortem findings reportedly indicated traces of semen on her undergarments, suggesting that sexual violence could not be ruled out. This discovery shifted the case from initial suspicions of suicide or accidental overdose to a possible rape and murder investigation, adding layers of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering Raised in Court
The victim's mother was present in court during the hearing, highlighting the emotional gravity of the case. The court heard arguments from the victim's counsel, S K Pandey, who raised serious allegations of possible evidence tampering after the proceedings concluded.
Pandey stated, "Many required actions were not taken to date, while actions that should not have been taken occurred. For instance, the victim's inner garments, mobile phone, call details, CCTV footage, and the clothes she was wearing at the time—crucial in a rape and murder case—were allegedly tampered with. These points were brought to the court's notice, and the court treated them with utmost seriousness. The court sought written responses from the investigating agencies on all these issues."
These allegations have further complicated the investigation, prompting the court to demand accountability and clarity from the agencies involved. The case continues to draw public attention as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the tragic incident.
