Patna: The CBI on Thursday formally took over the probe into the suspicious death of an 18-year-old medical aspirant from Jehanabad by registering an FIR. The case has been classified as a special case under number 7S/26, marking the complete transfer of the investigation from Bihar Police to the central agency.Officials said the investigation has commenced with key CBI officers from the regional office travelling to the agency’s headquarters in New Delhi carrying vital records and physical evidence related to the case. The agency is expected to re-examine all aspects, including forensic findings, medical reports and witness statements, and address questions that earlier probes could not conclusively resolve.According to officials, the CBI is in the process of collecting all relevant documents, evidence, case diaries and materials earlier handled by the state police and its Special Investigation Team (SIT).The case was handed over to the CBI following a recommendation by chief minister Nitish Kumar to the central govt amid public outcry, protests, political pressure and demands from the victim’s family for an impartial inquiry. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary was the first to publicly confirm the recommendation, stressing the need for a thorough and transparent investigation.The student, who was preparing for the medical entrance examination, was found unconscious in her room at a girls’ hostel in Patna on Jan 6. She died at a private hospital on Jan 11 after remaining in a coma. The police investigation initially indicated suicide by overdose of anti-depressant medication, with some pills recovered from her room. However, the family rejected this theory, alleging sexual assault and a possible cover-up.The post-mortem examination conducted at PMCH recorded multiple injuries, including bruises on the neck and private parts, and other marks of violence. The report stated that sexual violence could not be ruled out. Forensic analysis of the victim’s clothing later detected semen traces. Police collected blood samples of more than 25 individuals, including family members and the hostel building owner, who is currently in judicial custody.The SIT report concluded that the girl died by suicide. Her personal diary, recovered from the room, contained entries about her emotional and psychological condition in the months preceding the incident. Investigators also cited her recent mobile search history concerning poisons and medicinal salts. The findings stated that her father purchased the anti-depressant Amitone Plus from a shop in Jehanabad on Dec 27 in her presence, and she returned to Patna with the same batch on Jan 5.The family expressed dissatisfaction with the probe. The matter escalated into a major controversy, drawing criticism from opposition parties and triggering protests inside the legislature and on the streets. Demonstrations were also held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where family members sought transparency. Public anger intensified over alleged delays and lapses, leading to demands for a high-level, impartial inquiry.
