Patna Protests Erupt Over NEET Aspirant Death, Demanding Justice
Patna Protests Erupt Over NEET Aspirant Death, Demanding Justice
Congress workers protest in Patna over the NEET aspirant's death, accusing probe lapses and demanding a thorough inquiry as SIT investigates.
Congress workers on Monday staged a protest in Patna near the Income Tax Crossing, led by AICC in-charge of Bihar Krishna Allavaru and the party's State president Rajesh Ram, holding placards and raising slogans against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the police. They also burnt an effigy of the CM.
The 18-year-old NEET aspirant from Jehanabad, who was preparing for the medical entrance examination, was found unconscious in a girls' hostel in Chitragupt Nagar in Patna earlier this month. She died at a private hospital on January 11, 2026 after remaining in coma for several days. Her family has alleged that she was sexually assaulted and accused authorities of attempting a cover-up. The police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Allavaru said, "The law and order has completely collapsed in the State. The government is patronising criminals. Everybody knows that people don't get justice in Bihar because of the highhandedness of the police. Why was an FIR not lodged in the first three days? People want justice for the girl and her family members... Why have the accused not been arrested so far?" Echoing a similar view, Rajesh Ram said, "The government's intention is not to solve the case. The government and the police are protecting the accused. We will fight for justice to the girl and her family members." Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary had on Sunday asserted that those involved in the death of the NEET aspirant "will not be spared". "The police will take swift action."
Prashant Kishor also met bereaved family members of the student, underscoring political attention to the case as protests continued. The incident has intensified scrutiny of Bihar's governance and the handling of sexual assault allegations in such cases.
