Patna’s medical community is reeling from the shocking death of a minor NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls Hostel, with fresh developments intensifying the probe into possible sexual assault. Forensic experts have now collected blood samples from 11 individuals, including the hostel owner Manish Ranjan, marking a critical turn in the investigation.
The samples include five family members of the deceased and six other suspects captured on CCTV footage or involved in transporting her to the hospital. Officials are gearing up to invoke the POCSO Act, given the girl’s minor status, as semen traces found on her clothes heighten suspicions of foul play.
The victim’s family handed over her garments to police on January 10, and the forensic report, delivered to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) just days ago, confirmed the presence of male DNA. A postmortem at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) further corroborated signs of sexual abuse, contradicting initial police claims of a natural death.
This revelation has exposed glaring lapses in the early probe, leading to the immediate suspension of two station house officers: Roshni Kumari from Chitrgupt Nagar and Hemant Jha from Kadamkuan. Home Minister Samrat Choudhary has summoned the DGP, ADG, SSP, and the entire SIT for a high-level review.
As DNA matching progresses, the case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by aspiring medical students in unregulated hostels. Authorities vow a thorough investigation to deliver justice, while the nation watches closely for accountability in this heartbreaking incident.