In the wake of a horrifying incident at Patna’s Shambhu Girls’ Hostel where a NEET aspirant suffered brutal mistreatment, Bihar authorities are launching a statewide crackdown on all girls’ hostels. Advocate General Bihar has fired off letters to the Chief Secretary, DGP, and all divisional commissioners, triggering a cascade of directives down to district levels.
Divisional Commissioner of Purnea, Rajesh Kumar, confirmed that DMs and SPs in Purnea, Katihar, Araria, and Kishanganj have been ordered to inspect every private and government girls’ hostel, women’s homes, and girls’ dormitories within 15 days. Teams led by female magistrates, accompanied by women police officers and staff, will conduct thorough checks and submit joint reports.
This sweeping action stems from a High Court petition filed after the Shambhu Hostel atrocity. Investigators will compile comprehensive data on hostels, scrutinize safety measures for female residents, verify identities of occupants, background-check operators, and ensure proper registration. Any violations will lead to FIRs against errant owners.
Purnea itself has a dark history, with suspicious deaths of girls at hostels on College Road and Flower Mill Road previously swept under the rug. Officials hope this mandate will finally rein in the mushrooming illegal hostels plaguing the state, prioritizing student safety amid rising concerns.
As Bihar’s education hubs swell with aspirants, this probe could set a new standard for accountability, ensuring no dark corners harbor threats to young women chasing their dreams.