SIT expedites probe into death of Bihar NEET aspirant

The Bihar Police on Saturday (January 17, 2026) sped up the investigation into the death of a National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant following the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) by the State government on January 16, after the post-mortem report said sexual violence cannot be ruled out in the case.

The 18-year-old aspirant and a resident of Jehanabad was found unconscious in her hostel room under the Chitragupta Nagar police station area in Patna earlier this month and died during treatment at a private hospital on January 11.

Earlier, the police had labelled the death as a suicide and ruled out the possibility of sexual violence. The girl’s family members protested on January 12 demanding fair investigation, but the police resorted to baton charge to disperse the crowd.

The post-mortem carried out by doctors of the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) confirmed sexual violence but the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

Autopsy findings

“Sexual violence cannot be ruled out. There were multiple fingernail marks. Physical injuries present over the body; marks of violence. Struggle sign of recent use of force/forceful penetration,“ according to the report dated January 12, which became available in the public domain on January 16.

“The findings have been sent to AIIMS,” the report said.

On Saturday, Patna Central Range Inspector General (IG) Jitendra Rana, on orders of Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar, led the SIT to the hostel and conducted investigation.

Meanwhile Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Saturday met Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kartikey K. Sharma, to appeal for humane treatment of those against whom FIRs have been filed after the protests, and to prevent unnecessary action.

“We expect the SIT to investigate the case and ensure justice. The family believes that the investigating officer was negligent in her duties, and they want departmental action against her,” Mr. Kishor said.

The family members also alleged that the hostel management offered them ₹10 lakh to close the case. They alleged that a doctor of a private hospital, where the victim received initial treatment, was also involved and trying to cover up the case. The girl was later shifted to Jai Prabha Medanta Hospital where she died.