Patna, Jan 17 (AHN) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its probe into the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant at the Shambhu Girls' Hostel in Patna, amid mounting questions over the handling of the case by the city police and the Bihar government.

On the instructions of State Home Minister Samrat Choudhary, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar constituted the SIT, which is being personally chaired by Patna Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jitendra Rana.

On Saturday, IGP Jitendra Rana personally visited the Shambhu Girls' Hostel and conducted a detailed inspection of the crime site.

All members of the SIT were present during the visit.

The IGP issued necessary directions to the investigating officers and said that anyone found guilty in the case would face strict action and would not be spared under any circumstances.

The incident came to light when a female student from Jehanabad district, who was preparing for the NEET medical entrance examination, was found unconscious in her room at Shambhu Girls' Hostel in the Chitragupta Nagar area of Patna.

She was immediately rushed to a hospital, where she later died during treatment on January 11.

The victim's family members alleged that she had been sexually assaulted.

However, senior officers of the Patna police, including the Assistant Superintendent of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, initially expressed reluctance to accept the allegation, citing the absence of clear evidence pending the post-mortem report.

The post-mortem report, which later became available, indicated that the possibility of sexual assault cannot be ruled out, raising serious questions about the initial police response.

Following the post-mortem findings, concerns were raised over the functioning of the Patna police.

Acting on these developments, DGP Vinay Kumar ordered the formation of a SIT under the leadership of IGP Jitendra Rana to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation on Friday.

The SIT comprises Patna Superintendent of Police (East) Parichay Kumar, along with a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police, a woman Inspector, a male Inspector, a Sub-Inspector, an Assistant Sub-Inspector, and Constables.