Patna: In a shocking development in the NEET student death case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has come under scrutiny for alleged negligence after failing to file a chargesheet within the stipulated time, resulting in bail for the main accused.
The accused, Manish Kumar Ranjan, was granted bail by a POCSO court after the agency failed to submit the chargesheet within the mandatory 90-day period. Under legal provisions, failure to file a chargesheet within the prescribed timeline entitles the accused to default bail.
Reports suggest that Manish Ranjan is the owner of Shambhu Girls Hostel, where the incident is linked. He was initially arrested by Patna Police on January 14, 2026, after which the case was handed over to the CBI for further investigation.
The delay has triggered strong reactions from the victim’s family and the public, who have expressed anger over the agency’s failure in such a serious case. With the accused now out on bail, the trial will continue, but concerns over justice remain.
The case dates back to January 6, 2026, when a 17–18-year-old NEET aspirant from Jehanabad district was found unconscious in her room at a hostel in Chitragupt Nagar, Patna. She was rushed to the hospital and referred to multiple medical facilities before she succumbed on January 11.
The family alleged that the minor was sexually assaulted and murdered. Postmortem and forensic reports reportedly revealed injuries on her neck and private parts, along with evidence of assault and resistance.
Initially, Patna Police termed the case as a suspected suicide or overdose of sleeping pills. However, following protests by the family and public outrage, the investigation was transferred to the CBI.
All eyes are now on the investigating agency’s next steps and whether justice will be delivered to the victim.
