Should the CBI Probe into Bihar’s NEET Aspirant Death Case Be Judge-Monitored?
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Patna, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has urged for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the mysterious death of a NEET aspirant to be overseen by a judge from the Supreme Court or High Court.
RJD spokesperson Ejaz Ahmad raised concerns regarding the investigation's handling by the Bihar Police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), pointing out that there has been no advancement even after 18 days.
“The failure of the Bihar Police and the SIT to make substantial headway, along with the DGP's alleged classification of the case as a suicide despite familial objections, indicates that the prospect of achieving justice is exceedingly low,” Ahmad stated.
He further remarked that while the Bihar government has suggested a CBI investigation, the state operates under a 'double-engine government,' casting doubt on the probe's impartiality. “Justice through the CBI appears questionable. It would be prudent to conduct the investigation under the guidance of a judge from the Supreme Court or High Court,” he added.
On Friday, relatives of the deceased met with Bihar's Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, but later expressed that they received no guarantees of justice. The family stated that the DGP allegedly insisted the student had taken her own life.
Subsequently, they met with Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary, but were left dissatisfied with the assurances given.
The mother of the deceased made serious accusations against the Bihar Police, alleging that officials had been 'bribed.' The victim’s brother claimed that the police and the SIT were treating the family as if they were the offenders.
“There is no intention to resolve the case. Instead, they are acting as if we are guilty,” he mentioned.
The NEET aspirant was discovered unconscious in her hostel room on January 6 and later died from her injuries on January 11.
Initially, the Patna Senior Superintendent of Police dismissed the possibility of sexual assault. However, the post-mortem report from Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) contradicted this assertion, indicating that sexual assault could not be excluded. The FSL report also confirmed the presence of semen on the victim's clothing.
The Patna Police had formed a high-level SIT supervised by an officer of IG rank, but the investigation has seen little progress. The SIT has gathered blood samples from more than 15 individuals, including family members.
As political pressure mounts for a court-monitored investigation to ensure transparency and justice, the case has now been transferred to the CBI.