The investigation into the tragic death of a NEET student in Patna is now under direct monitoring from Delhi. A CBI Superintendent of Police (SP) has officially taken command of the case as of March 27, 2026. This move follows recent pressure from the POCSO special court regarding the slow progress of the investigation and procedural concerns raised by the victim’s family.
Key Changes in the CBI Investigation
The Central Bureau of Investigation has restructured its team to address the complexities of the case. The monitoring shift to Delhi is expected to streamline the reporting process and bring more oversight to the local team. Below are the primary updates regarding the investigation team:
- New Investigating Officer: DSP Vibha Kumari was appointed as the new Investigating Officer on March 16, replacing ASP Pawan Kumar Srivastava.
- Direct Oversight: A CBI SP from the Anti-Corruption Bureau is currently camping in Patna to monitor the DSP’s work.
- Court Intervention: The POCSO special court expressed displeasure over the investigation speed and demanded an updated report by March 30.
- Act Invoked: The investigation is being conducted under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act and includes POCSO Act provisions.
Timeline of the Patna NEET Student Case
The case involves a NEET aspirant from Jehanabad who was found unconscious in a Patna hostel and later died. The following table summarizes the timeline of the events and the subsequent investigation:
| Date | Significant Event |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2026 | The NEET student passed away during treatment. |
| February 12, 2026 | CBI formally registered the FIR and took over the probe. |
| March 16, 2026 | DSP Vibha Kumari was appointed as the new IO. |
| March 21, 2026 | CBI questioned the victim’s maternal uncle and the hospital CMD. |
| March 27, 2026 | CBI SP took command with monitoring shifting to Delhi. |
The victim’s family, including her maternal uncle and grandfather, has expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of the probe. Their lawyer, S.K. Pandey, has filed a complaint in court alleging that the family is facing pressure to accept the death as a suicide. The CBI continues to question relevant entities, including Dr. Satish Kumar of Prabhat Memorial Hospital.
