Injury Marks, Poison, Sexual Violence: Minor NEET Aspirant’s Death Probe Intensifies After the Post-Mortem

A 17-year-old girl preparing for the NEET examination was found unconscious in her hostel room in Patna and later died during treatment on January 11, 2026.

The case has taken a serious turn after the post-mortem report stated that the possibility of sexual violence could not be ruled out.

Police received the post-mortem report on January 15 and confirmed that medical opinion had changed based on the findings. Following this, the hostel owner was arrested, and officials said further legal action will depend on evidence collected during the ongoing investigation.

The girl's family has maintained from the beginning that she was sexually assaulted and that there was foul play involved in her death.

Post-Mortem Report Changes Direction of Probe

According to police officials, the autopsy report was officially acknowledged a day after it was received. The Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Sadar-1 Patna, stated that the report did not rule out sexual violence, prompting investigators to re-examine the case.

Earlier, police had said that a preliminary examination by a gynaecologist did not indicate sexual assault. CCTV footage from the hostel was also cited as not showing any suspicious activity.

However, after reviewing the post-mortem findings, authorities acknowledged the seriousness of the case and moved forward with arrests.

The hostel owner, identified as Manish Kumar Ranjan, was taken into custody and produced before a court.

Police Findings and Medical Details

Police officials revealed that the girl's mobile phone search history included queries related to poison. Her urine test reportedly showed the presence of sleeping pills. City Superintendent of Police Parichay Kumar said that earlier medical inputs suggested pill consumption, but final action would be based on the post-mortem report.

The incident came to light on January 9, when police were informed that the girl had been found unconscious in her hostel room. She was first taken to a local clinic and later referred for advanced treatment. Her family admitted her to another hospital, where she remained under care from January 6 to January 10. As her condition deteriorated, she was shifted again but passed away on January 11.

According to the family's complaint, the girl did not regain consciousness after January 6 and was unable to speak. They also alleged that there were visible injury marks on her body and head.

Family Alleges Assault, Protests Erupt

In their FIR, the family expressed suspicion that the girl was assaulted inside the hostel. They alleged injuries and suggested there may have been an attempt to establish physical relations after an assault.

Following her death, the family staged a protest by bringing her body to Kargil Chowk near Gandhi Maidan. The demonstration attracted a large crowd and led to tension in the area. Police later dispersed the protesters using mild force. A separate case was registered at the Gandhi Maidan police station in connection with the protest.

Investigation Ongoing, Police Assure Action

Police have said the investigation is ongoing and that all evidence, including forensic reports and witness statements, is being examined carefully. Legal sections invoked in the case include wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, assault on a woman with intent to disrobe, attempt to murder, and common intention.

Authorities have assured that further legal steps will be taken strictly on the basis of evidence and reiterated their commitment to a fair and thorough investigation.