Patna NEET aspirant death case: Court pulls up CBI, asks 'why POSCO act has not yet been invoked'
Patna: In the ongoing investigation into the death of a NEET aspirant, a Patna court recently pulled up the CBI over its functioning and adjourned the hearing further. After a hearing that lasted for about two and a half hours, the court adjourned the case till March 2.
The entire team of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was present during the proceedings.
The court raised serious questions about the functioning of CBI and reprimanded it for the legal rules applicable in the case.
According to the IANS report, the court specifically questioned why the POCSO Act has not yet been invoked in this sensitive case. It was observed that the CBI is currently proceeding primarily under the relevant section of attempt to murder, which, according to the court, does not appear proportionate to the gravity of the allegations.
The judge sought clear information from the investigating agency about the legal basis of the ongoing investigation.
The court sharply asked, "Do you really need ***? Why is the accused still in jail when your case doesn't even involve the POCSO Act?" The court further questioned what concrete results have emerged against the accused during the past 15 days of investigation and questioned what the point of keeping him in jail is if sufficient evidence hasn't been gathered yet.
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which previously investigated the case, also presented its case before the court. SIT representatives stated that Manish Ranjan was initially arrested because he was considered an influential person. However, he clarified that since the CBI is now investigating the case, they no longer need his custody.
The case was initially investigated by local police officers, Roshni Kumari, SHO of the Chitragupta Nagar police station, until January 17, after which it was handed over to the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The CBI officially registered the case on February 12 and began its independent investigation.
The court is demanding written responses to its pointed questions. The CBI will have to clarify its legal stance and the results of its investigation, which could significantly impact the accused's bail application and the further course of the case.
