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Patna NEET Case: POCSO Court Questions CBI Investigation, Flags Serious Lapses and Delay in Chargesheet Filing

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In the Patna NEET student case, the POCSO court has strongly criticized the CBI for repeated IO changes, weak investigation, and delay in filing the chargesheet, raising concerns over the accused getting relief.

Patna / Alam Ki Khabar:A significant judicial development has emerged in the high-profile Patna NEET student case, where the POCSO court has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the conduct of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The court made strong observations regarding the quality and consistency of the investigation, pointing out multiple procedural lapses that have raised questions about the strength of the case.

According to court proceedings, as many as four Investigating Officers (IOs) have been changed during the course of the probe, including officers from both the Bihar Police and the CBI. The court observed that despite repeated changes in investigators, no consistent or coordinated investigation strategy was followed. Each new officer effectively restarted the investigation, leading to a lack of continuity and coherence in the case file.

The court further noted that this repeated disruption in the investigation process has significantly weakened the evidentiary foundation of the case. It also expressed concern that the absence of strong scientific evidence has made the case vulnerable, increasing the possibility of legal relief for the accused.

The court went on to describe the handling of the investigation as seriously flawed and, in certain observations, termed it as “negligence in execution of duty.” It also criticized the CBI’s status reports, calling them incomplete, vague, and lacking clarity on key aspects of the investigation. In response, the court directed that instead of individual investigating officers, the Superintendent of Police (SP) level officer from the CBI must now file a sworn affidavit detailing the progress of the investigation.

A major concern highlighted during the hearing is the prolonged incarceration of the main accused, Manish Kumar Ranjan, who has been in judicial custody since January 15. Despite several months having passed, the investigating agency has failed to file a chargesheet in the case. Under the provisions of the POCSO Act, filing of a chargesheet within 90 days is mandatory. The court noted that failure to comply with this requirement may legally entitle the accused to default bail if the deadline is crossed.

The court also raised serious questions over the inability of investigative agencies to establish the exact cause of the victim’s death. Despite examining medical reports, witness statements, and CCTV footage, investigators have not been able to present a clear and conclusive narrative. Discrepancies have also been found in items recovered from the victim’s room, including medicines and other materials, further complicating the investigation.

Legal representatives of the victim’s family have alleged serious lapses in the investigation process. They argued that the chain of custody of evidence has not been properly established, which undermines the integrity of the entire case. According to them, these gaps raise concerns that the investigation may not be proceeding in an impartial or thorough manner.

The case continues to attract significant public and legal attention due to its sensitive nature and the serious allegations involved. The court’s strong remarks against the investigating agency have added a new dimension to the ongoing legal battle, raising questions about investigative accountability and procedural efficiency.

As the deadline for filing the chargesheet approaches, all eyes are now on the CBI’s next course of action. The outcome of this procedural stage is likely to play a decisive role in determining the future direction of the case and the legal standing of the accused.

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