Patna, January 18, 2026: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday issued a stern warning that those involved in the death of an 18-year-old NEET aspirant in Patna will not be spared. The case, which has sparked widespread outrage across the state, involves a student from Jehanabad district who had come to Patna to prepare for the medical entrance examination and was staying in a private girls’ hostel in Chitragupt Nagar.

The aspirant was found unconscious earlier this month in her hostel room and was admitted to a private hospital, where she remained in a coma for several days. She tragically passed away on January 11, 2026, prompting immediate protests and demands for accountability from her family and civil society groups.

Addressing reporters, Choudhary, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the police had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. “The DGP himself is monitoring the investigation. Those involved in her death will not be spared,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensure a thorough investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the young aspirant’s death have been highly contentious, with her family alleging that she was sexually assaulted and accusing authorities of attempting a cover-up. While initial medical reports suggested that the girl had consumed a large quantity of sleeping pills and was suffering from typhoid, the post-mortem examination indicated that “sexual violence cannot be ruled out.”

Patna police, however, have maintained that there is no medical or CCTV evidence to substantiate claims of sexual assault. “Doctors found no signs of sexual assault and stated that the girl had consumed a large quantity of sleeping pills and was suffering from typhoid,” the police said in a statement issued on January 13.

Despite this, the girl’s family continues to demand justice and accountability, pointing to alleged lapses by hostel authorities, doctors, and police personnel. The girl’s father claimed that the hostel management offered them money for a compromise, and police allegedly threatened them against speaking to the media. “The hostel warden, doctors, and certain policemen are hand-in-glove. Action must be taken against them,” he said, calling for a transparent investigation.

The case has also become a political flashpoint in Bihar, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the Nitish Kumar-led government of being “insensitive” and “patronising criminals,” while Rohini Acharya, daughter of RJD president Lalu Prasad, urged the Chief Minister to personally oversee the probe. In a post on X, she emphasized that officials investigating the case must maintain transparency and ensure swift justice for the deceased and her family. She further alleged that doctors at the private hospital initially treating the girl had overlooked injury marks, raising suspicions of a deliberate attempt to conceal facts.

Meanwhile, independent Lok Sabha MP from Purnea, Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, demanded a CBI investigation into the matter, claiming that the state police may not be impartial. He stated that he had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking federal oversight to ensure justice.

On Sunday, the SIT investigating the case visited the private hospitals where the girl had previously been treated, recording statements from hospital staff and examining records to ascertain the circumstances leading to her death. Simultaneously, several girls residing at the hostel came to collect their belongings, but security personnel directed them to the local police station, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and management at the hostel.

The tragic death has sparked wider conversations about safety, accountability, and governance in educational hostelsacross Bihar. Civil society groups have called for stricter monitoring of such institutions and stronger mechanisms to protect students, particularly young women preparing for competitive examinations far from home.

Choudhary’s assurance of strict action comes amid growing public pressure and media scrutiny. The state government is under intense expectation to ensure a transparent investigation, prosecute the guilty, and prevent such incidents in the future, balancing the concerns of public safety with due legal process.

The case continues to evolve as the SIT progresses with its probe, examining medical records, statements, and CCTV footage while addressing allegations of cover-ups and administrative lapses. Families and activists have vowed to continue their demand for justice, emphasizing that accountability must extend to all involved, including hostel authorities, hospital staff, and police personnel.

In conclusion, the death of the NEET aspirant in Patna has not only provoked public outrage but also ignited political and administrative action, with Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary promising that those responsible will be held accountable. The incident underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards for students, transparent investigation processes, and prompt action against negligence or wrongdoing to ensure justice and restore public trust.

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