Bihar NEET student death: Family slams CBI probe, plans statewide campaign
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The family of a deceased NEET aspirant from Jehanabad, Bihar, has publicly condemned the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into her death, alleging serious lapses in the investigation including delays, lack of impartiality, and improper evidence collection. The mother made her allegations at a press conference in Patna on 16 June, calling the case a murder and demanding the death penalty for those responsible.
Mother's Demands and Key Allegations
Speaking at the press conference, the victim's mother stated that several political leaders who had visited the family and pledged justice following her daughter's death have since gone silent. She alleged that the CBI has not acted without bias, that a charge sheet was not filed within the timeframe reportedly directed by the court, and that the family's statements have not been formally recorded.
The family and their supporters further alleged that the accused's DNA sample should have been collected before the family was asked to provide theirs — and that the family is being repeatedly summoned and pressured for DNA samples. They also claimed that deliberate attempts are being made to weaken or derail the case.
Statewide Campaign Announced from June 17
The victim's mother announced she would begin visiting the homes of political leaders across Patna — from both the ruling coalition and the opposition — starting 17 June. She said she intends to present a list of 21 questions related to the investigation and seek direct answers from elected representatives.
She warned that if satisfactory responses are not received, she would take the matter to the people of Bihar and launch a broader public movement. The family and supporters also indicated plans to meet senior Bihar leaders, including Samrat Choudhary, and urged political parties to raise the issue on the floor of the state legislature.
Wider Significance: Justice for Aspiring Women
The mother framed her campaign as one that extends beyond her own daughter. She said it is meant to speak for every young woman who travels to Patna to pursue dreams of becoming a doctor or engineer — a pointed reference to the thousands of NEET aspirants who migrate to the city each year for coaching and study.
This comes amid intensifying scrutiny of law enforcement accountability in cases involving women students in Bihar, where several high-profile incidents in recent years have triggered demands for institutional reform.
Political Pressure Builds
The controversy has continued to fuel political debate in Bihar, with demands for transparency in the CBI investigation growing louder across party lines. The family's decision to approach ministers, public representatives, and party offices directly marks an escalation from institutional appeals to direct political pressure.
With the statewide campaign set to begin on 17 June, the case is expected to draw renewed attention to the pace and conduct of the probe in the days ahead.