Patna Police have confirmed that an 18-year-old NEET aspirant, who died earlier this month, was sexually assaulted, after forensic analysis detected semen on the clothes she was wearing when she was found unconscious. The revelation marks a significant turn in the case, which was initially classified as a suicide.
Following the forensic findings, two police personnel involved in the preliminary investigation have been suspended for dereliction of duty, delay in action, and failure to properly collect and preserve evidence. Senior officials said disciplinary action was necessary given the serious lapses in the early stages of the probe.
The student was discovered unconscious at a girls&rsquo; hostel in Patna on January 6 and was subsequently shifted between three private hospitals. She died on January 11. While police had first attributed her death to suicide, her family consistently alleged sexual assault and accused authorities of attempting to suppress the truth.
The post-mortem examination revealed injuries to the victim&rsquo;s genital area along with nail abrasions on her body, strengthening suspicions of sexual violence. The case sparked widespread public protests across Patna, prompting intensified scrutiny and the arrest of the hostel owner where the student had been staying.
Earlier medical assessments had suggested that the student died due to excessive consumption of sleeping pills and noted that she was also suffering from typhoid. However, the post-mortem report later stated that sexual violence could not be ruled out as a contributing factor to her death.
Police officials said a Special Investigation Team is now conducting a detailed probe. DNA profiling will be carried out using the semen detected during forensic examination, and the results will be matched with the DNA of the arrested accused as well as other suspects identified during the investigation.
The case has renewed concerns over the handling of crimes against women and the accountability of law enforcement agencies in Bihar.

Forensic report confirms sexual assault; police suspend two officers

Semen Found on NEET Aspirant’s Clothes in Patna

Forensic report confirms sexual assault; police suspend two officers

January 27, 2026 | 10:20 IST