Bihar Government Recommends CBI Probe into Suspected Death of NEET Aspirant in Patna Hostel

By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Bihar government has recommended handing over the investigation into the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls’ Hostel in Patna to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has written to the Union government seeking a CBI inquiry into the case (Case No. 14/26). The information was shared by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary on his X account.

Choudhary said the investigation must be completely transparent, impartial and just, so that the victim’s family receives full justice and no room is left for doubt at any level. He stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has urged the Government of India to ensure a CBI probe into the alleged murder of the NEET student in Patna, guaranteeing a fair and transparent uncovering of the facts.

In view of the changed circumstances, the state government has formally written to the Centre, following which the CBI is expected to take over the case. The Bihar Police will hand over all documents and collected evidence to the CBI, which will carry the investigation forward. Patna Police will extend full cooperation to the central agency.

Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Prabhakar Mishra welcomed the decision, saying that by demanding a CBI inquiry, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made it clear that good governance is not just a slogan but a firm resolve. He said this is a government that ensures that no matter how influential the accused may be, they are brought behind bars.

On Friday, the deceased student’s family met Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar at his residence. Speaking to the media afterwards, the victim’s mother expressed deep dissatisfaction with the investigation process, alleging that the police were not conducting a fair probe and that there were attempts to suppress the case. The family said they have yet to see any sign of justice.

The victim’s brother, speaking emotionally, said they had gone to the DGP’s residence hoping for justice, but instead felt as though they themselves were being treated as accused. He said his mother came out in tears and questioned why Home Minister Samrat Choudhary was calling them for a meeting and on what basis they should meet him.

After the family levelled serious allegations, the issue escalated at political and administrative levels. Home Minister Samrat Choudhary summoned the DGP and the Chief Secretary, making it clear that no laxity in the investigation would be tolerated and that strict action would be taken against officials found guilty of negligence.

According to Patna Police, the family had handed over some of the student’s clothes on January 10, 2026, which were duly seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The FSL report confirmed the presence of human semen on the clothes, strengthening suspicions of sexual assault.

FSL sources said DNA profiles are being prepared from the recovered biological evidence. These profiles will be matched with the DNA of the arrested accused and other suspects identified by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Police claim that scientific evidence will give the probe a decisive direction.

Given the seriousness of the case, Patna Police constituted an SIT, which has so far questioned 45 to 50 people, including hostel management, other students, security personnel and individuals who were in contact with the deceased. DNA samples of around 25 people have also been collected. However, the final post-mortem report from AIIMS is still awaited and is expected to provide definitive clarity on the cause of death.

The case came to light in the first week of January, when the student was found unconscious in her hostel room. She died on January 11 while undergoing treatment at a hospital. Initially, the police treated the case as a suicide or natural death, but the family alleged that she was raped and murdered. Injury marks found on her body further deepened the suspicion.

Questions were also raised over the role of the police and the hospital following the incident. The family alleged that timely medical treatment was not provided and that evidence was not properly preserved. As the investigation progressed, CCTV footage, call records and forensic reports revealed new details. After semen was confirmed on the clothes on January 25, the case took a clear turn towards rape and murder.