Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Jan 18: The opposition has stepped up its attack on the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance government in Bihar following the suspected rape and death of a NEET aspirant at a girls’ hostel in Patna a few days ago.
The controversy intensified after the post-mortem report contradicted the initial police claim that there was no evidence of sexual assault and that the student had died by suicide after consuming pills. The medical findings have not ruled out sexual assault, raising serious questions over the early version put out by the police.
Former Bihar Congress president and MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh visited the victim’s family in Jehanabad district and accused the police of attempting to suppress the case until the post-mortem report exposed the truth. He demanded capital punishment for those found guilty.
In a post on X, Singh said the brutal murder of the NEET aspirant following an alleged gang rape had shaken society. He criticised the state government, stating that justice must be delivered to the victim’s family and termed the situation an example of “misgovernance”.
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor also visited the victim’s native village and met her family members. On Friday, he accompanied the family to meet Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma and sought details about the progress of the investigation.
Taking cognisance of the seriousness of the case, Director General of Police Vinay Kumar constituted a Special Investigation Team on Friday evening. Patna Inspector General Jitendra Rana has been directed to supervise the probe and conduct daily reviews. State Home Minister Samrat Chaudhary shared the DGP’s order on social media, stating that the SIT was formed to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
According to the post-mortem report prepared by a medical board at Patna Medical College Hospital, all injuries on the victim’s body were inflicted before death, indicating a prolonged and violent struggle. The genital examination revealed fresh injuries, deep abrasions, tissue trauma and excessive bleeding. Doctors stated that the injuries were not consistent with consensual sexual activity and pointed towards forced penetration.
The post-mortem report has now been sent to AIIMS-Patna for a second medical opinion. The victim’s uncle has alleged that she was raped and murdered by individuals linked to the hostel.
Earlier, police had claimed that sleeping pills were found in the room and suggested a suicide angle. However, forensic findings showing multiple injury marks and nail scratches have significantly weakened that claim. Police have examined footage from over 100 CCTV cameras installed in the hostel and surrounding areas and collected visuals from all routes the student is believed to have taken. The victim had been staying at the hostel for around two and a half years. The hostel warden has been detained for questioning.