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Patna Hostel Death: Suicide or Foul Play?
17 Jan
Summary
- Victim found unconscious, later died; autopsy suggests sexual assault.
- Investigation explores suicide due to overdose, with possible past assaults.
- CCTV footage and phone search history are key in the ongoing probe.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the suspicious death of an 18-year-old medical aspirant in Patna. The aspirant was found unconscious on January 6, 2026, and tragically passed away on January 11, 2026, during treatment. Initial autopsy findings revealed signs of sexual assault and multiple injuries, prompting a thorough investigation into all possible angles.
The investigation is examining the possibility of suicide, with sources suggesting an overdose of sleeping pills as a potential cause, possibly exacerbated by past and ongoing sexual assaults. The victim, who hailed from Jehanabad, had her cellphone search history revealing queries about suicide methods and poisons dating back to December 24, 2025. Authorities have also involved Jehanabad police in the inquiry.
Crucial evidence includes CCTV footage from the hostel, which showed the victim largely confined to her room and under surveillance. The hostel owner, Manish Kumar Ranjan, was arrested to prevent evidence tampering. While the victim's family alleged rape and murder, police are awaiting final reports from AIIMS-Patna and the viscera report to confirm the cause of death, acknowledging the complexity of the timeline and location of any potential assault.
