In a shocking development in Patna, the tragic death of a NEET aspirant has taken a serious turn with authorities adding POCSO Act charges to the case. The Bihar government has amended its earlier notification, incorporating sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, alongside Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 64 and related provisions.
This move empowers the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a thorough probe, scrutinizing every angle of the incident. The student was found unconscious in her hostel room on January 6. Rushed to a hospital by hostel staff and fellow students, she battled for life for five days before succumbing on January 11.
Initial police inquiries leaned towards suicide, but the victim’s family has steadfastly alleged rape and murder, accusing authorities of masking the crime as self-inflicted. The FIR, lodged on January 9 at Chitragupt Nagar police station, originally lacked POCSO clauses.
As investigations progressed, glaring inconsistencies emerged, prompting the case to reach court. The judiciary questioned the omission of POCSO sections, given the minor’s status and suspicions of sexual assault. Responding to the court’s stern remarks, the state issued a revised notification, formalizing the additions.
The incident unfolded at Shambhu Girls Hostel in Chitragupt Nagar, a hub for NEET hopefuls. This case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by young students in competitive exam preparations, raising urgent questions about safety in educational accommodations. With CBI now at the helm, expectations are high for justice and accountability.