A forensic examination has confirmed that an 18-year-old NEET aspirant who died earlier this month in Patna was sexually assaulted, contradicting the initial police claim that the case was a suicide. The finding has led to the suspension of two police officials for lapses in the early stages of the investigation.

The Patna Police said a forensic science laboratory (FSL) analysis detected the presence of semen on the clothes the student was wearing when she was found unconscious. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Karthikey K Sharma said the discovery established sexual assault.

Case initially termed suicide

The student was found unconscious in her hostel in Patna on January 6 and was admitted to three private hospitals over the following days. She died on January 11. Police initially described the case as a suicide, citing suspected consumption of sleeping pills and an existing illness.

However, the victim’s family alleged she had been sexually assaulted and accused authorities of attempting to suppress the truth. Their claims gained momentum after the post-mortem report noted injuries to her genitals and nail abrasions on her body, stating that “sexual violence cannot be ruled out”.

Police officials suspended

Following the forensic confirmation, two police officers involved in the initial probe were suspended for “dereliction of duty, failure to take timely action, and failure to properly collect evidence,” officials said.

The case sparked widespread protests across Patna, demanding justice and accountability. Amid public outrage, police arrested the owner of the girls’ hostel where the student had been staying.

SIT to conduct DNA matching

Police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been tasked with further investigation. According to the SSP’s office, DNA profiling will be conducted using the semen detected on the victim’s clothing and matched with the DNA of the arrested accused as well as other suspects.

Authorities said the investigation is now focused on identifying all those involved and ensuring a thorough, transparent probe.