Patna Police officer talks to media
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Patna Police have claimed a fresh breakthrough in the investigation into the death of a NEET aspirant in the state capital, with new clues emerging from the student’s mobile phone. According to the police, digital evidence has provided significant leads, while the victim’s family has alleged that she was subjected to sustained mental pressure by an accused student, which drove her to take the extreme step.
The incident dates back to January 6, when the student, who was preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), was found unconscious in her room at a girls’ hostel under the Gandhi Maidan police station area. She was immediately rushed to hospital, where she succumbed during treatment on Sunday. The student was a resident of Aurangabad district.
Police said that on the day she attempted suicide, the student was alone in her hostel room as her roommate had gone to coaching classes. Taking advantage of being alone, she allegedly took the step.
Following the incident, the police launched an investigation and collected several crucial pieces of evidence. Examination of the student’s mobile phone led investigators to suspect another student. The suspect’s mobile phone was also checked, and during questioning it reportedly emerged that he had been mentally harassing the victim. The accused student has since been sent to a juvenile correction home.
Medical examinations have so far ruled out sexual assault. The gynaecologist who examined the student on the first day found no evidence of sexual abuse. The urine report, however, confirmed the intake of sleeping pills. CCTV footage from the hostel did not reveal any suspicious activity, though the CCTV drive has been seized for further examination. Internet search history on the student’s mobile phone indicated searches related to poison. A panel of doctors conducted the post-mortem examination, and viscera samples have been preserved. Further action will be taken after the final post-mortem report.
After the student’s death, her father lodged a complaint at the police station, alleging that his daughter had been assaulted, leading to her death. Her maternal uncle, meanwhile, alleged that the hostel management had influenced doctors at the hospital.
Family members said they tried to contact the student in the morning, but she did not answer their calls. At around 4 pm, they received a call informing them that the girl had caught a chill and had become unconscious. She was initially admitted to a private hospital and later shifted to another medical facility. According to the family, she regained consciousness after two days.
Meanwhile, public anger erupted on Monday night following the student’s suspicious death. Relatives and locals carried the body to Kargil Chowk, where protests and sloganeering led to chaos. Traffic was disrupted for several hours, and police resorted to mild force to disperse the protesters.
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