Patna NEET student death case: Why Nitish govt has ordered CBI probe, what happened in the hostel room

The Bihar government has recommended a CBI investigation into the death of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant in Patna following allegations of sexual assault. The student, from Jehanabad, was found unconscious in Shambhu Girls’ hostel in Chitragupt Nagar earlier this month and died at a private hospital on January 11 after several days in a coma.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who also holds the home portfolio, confirmed the move.

"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Jee has urged the Government of India to hand over the investigation of the NEET student's murder case in Patna (Case No- 14/26) to the CBI. The incident must be thoroughly uncovered in a transparent and just manner," Choudhary said in a post on X.

Bihar govt recommends CBI probe

The state home department issued a notification recommending a CBI investigation under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the central government will issue a notification, which is mandatory for the CBI to investigate state-related cases.

An official said, "The CBI may now register a separate case on the basis of the FIR registered by Patna Police. The agency sleuths will collect all evidence obtained by the state police and will also record the statements of suspects, the arrested person, hospital staff, family members and policemen, who had initially investigated the case and concluded it a case of suicide."

Family alleges police cover-up

The victim’s parents claimed that Bihar police initially tried to hide the truth by calling it a suicide and denying sexual assault. Her post-mortem report contradicts these claims, confirming signs of sexual violence. One hostel employee has been arrested in connection with the case.

Patna Neet Student case: What happened in the hostel room

The post-mortem revealed that the student suffered severe injuries, including bruises on her neck and private parts, indicating strangulation or suffocation. She resisted the attack, leaving marks all over her body.

Forensic tests detected sperm on her clothing, and DNA analysis confirmed sexual assault. Blood and semen samples were also found in the hostel room along with torn clothes and blood stains.

Authorities are now awaiting the DoPT notification before the CBI formally takes over. The move ensures all evidence is thoroughly examined and the case is investigated transparently.