A Special CBI Court in Patna declined the bail request of Manish Ranjan, the proprietor of the Shambhu Girls Hostel building, linked to the demise of a NEET aspirant in Bihar’s capital. The hearing, lasting about two and a half hours, involved a tense exchange between the victim’s family counsel and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The victim’s legal representative reiterated claims of negligence and investigative shortcomings.
The NEET aspirant, hailing from Jehanabad district, was discovered unconscious at the Shambhu Girls Hostel in Patna’s Chitragupt Nagar area on January 6. Initially hospitalized, she was later transferred to a private medical facility, where she passed away on January 11. Allegations from the deceased student’s family suggested rape and murder, contrasting with the initial suicide theory by Patna Police. However, post-mortem and forensic reports dismissed suicide as a cause and indicated potential sexual assault.
Amid public outcry and political pressure, the case transitioned to CBI jurisdiction for further scrutiny. In a prior hearing on February 28, the Special CBI Court expressed dissatisfaction with the probe’s pace and questioned the agency on legal aspects. Notably, the court highlighted the absence of invoking the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, deeming the matter grave and sensitive. Concerns were raised about the charges’ adequacy in reflecting the severity of the allegations.
Seeking clarity on the evidence and legal grounds for the accused’s custody, the judge probed the CBI on recent developments in the investigation. The court emphasized the need for substantive evidence to justify continued detention. The case remains ongoing under investigation.
