Patna: In the ongoing case relating to the alleged rape and mysterious death of a NEET student at a girls’ hostel in Patna, a local court on Thursday postponed the hearing on the bail plea of Manish Ranjan, owner of the building where the hostel operated. The matter was deferred to Feb 28 as the investigating agencies — Patna Police and the (CBI) — have yet to complete detailed questioning of key individuals and suspects.The hearing was presided over by district and additional sessions judge-VI-cum-POCSO court judge Rajeev Ranjan Raman, who expressed displeasure over the slow progress of the investigation.The court had earlier issued notices to the CBI and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), seeking justification for the continued custody of the accused. During the hearing, representatives of both agencies, including the investigating officers, were present in person.The court emphasised that investigators must present a detailed chain of investigation, including records of questioning, statements recorded, handling of evidence and justification for detention.Ranjan has been in judicial custody at Beur Central Jail, Patna, for the past 43 days. He was arrested by Patna Police on January 14, three days after the student’s death on January 11. The minor, a native of Jehanabad, was found unconscious in her hostel room on January 6 and later died during treatment.Post-mortem findings reportedly indicated traces of semen on her undergarments, suggesting that sexual violence could not be ruled out. The case subsequently shifted from an initial suspicion of suicide or accidental overdose to possible rape and murder.The victim’s mother was present in court during the hearing. The court heard arguments from the victim’s counsel, S K Pandey.After the hearing, Pandey alleged possible evidence tampering. “Many required actions were not taken to date, while actions that should not have been taken occurred. For instance, the victim’s inner garments, mobile phone, call details, CCTV footage, and the clothes she was wearing at the time—crucial in a rape and murder case — were allegedly tampered with. These points were brought to the court’s notice, and the court treated them with utmost seriousness. The court sought written responses from the investigating agencies on all these issues,” the counsel said.
