Why Nitish Government Protecting the perpetrators of the death of a NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls' Hostel

 

The query appears to refer to recent allegations surrounding the death of a NEET aspirant at Shambhu Girls' Hostel (also spelled "Shambhu" in some reports) in Patna, Bihar, under the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government. The incident involves suspicions of rape and murder, with opposition parties and public figures accusing the government of protecting the perpetrators or mishandling the case to cover it up. I'll outline the key details and the reasons cited in these allegations based on available reports and discussions. Note that these are accusations from critics, and the investigation is ongoing, with some arrests made.

Background on the Incident

A teenage girl preparing for the NEET exam was found unconscious at Shambhu Girls' Hostel in Patna's Chitragupta Nagar area on January 12, 2026. She was rushed to a hospital but died shortly after. Her family alleged foul play, including rape and murder. Initially, Bihar Police denied any evidence of sexual assault and suggested it was a suicide by poison or pills. However, the post-mortem report, released around January 14, indicated that sexual violence could not be ruled out, leading to contradictions and public outrage. The hostel owner, Manish Kumar Ranjan, was arrested on January 15, and the facility was sealed. The case has been sent for further review at AIIMS-Patna, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is involved, with some police officers suspended for lapses.

Allegations of Government Protection and Reasons Cited

Opposition leaders (primarily from RJD and Congress), activists, and social media users have accused the Nitish Kumar government of shielding the accused or enabling a cover-up. Here's a breakdown of the main reasons highlighted in these claims:

1. Initial Police Denial and Alleged Cover-Up: Critics argue that the police's quick dismissal of rape—despite the post-mortem findings—suggests an attempt to protect influential figures. For instance, doctors, station in-charge, ASP, SP, and SSP reportedly denied rape and labeled it suicide, which opposition figures call a deliberate mislead to bury the truth. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav described the NDA government as "a tool for oppressors, corrupt individuals, criminals, and rapists," claiming atrocities are committed with official support while authorities remain silent.
2. Political Connections and Influence: Some reports and posts suggest the hostel owner has ties to BJP leaders (part of the NDA coalition with Nitish's JD(U)), which may explain the alleged protection. One claim is that the BJP tried to divert attention by insisting on suicide, but the report confirmed rape and murder. Broader accusations point to unlicensed hostels operating as fronts for exploitation, possibly with government complicity through funding or oversight failures. There are even unverified claims of hostels being used as sex rackets, drugging students and trafficking them to political elites.
3. Delays and Intimidation in Investigation: Public demands highlight issues like delayed family notifications, mysterious hospital transfers, untraceable staff, withheld CCTV footage, and alleged pressure to withdraw complaints. These are seen as signs of systemic protection for the guilty. Congress leaders burned effigies of Nitish Kumar, protesting the government's failure on girls' safety.
4. Broader Pattern of Law and Order Failures: Critics link this to past scandals, like the 2018 Muzaffarpur shelter home rapes, where Nitish was accused of shielding accused with ruling party links. Recent cases, such as other rapes in Bihar (e.g., in Chhapra or Madhepura), are cited to argue that the "double-engine" NDA government (Nitish at state, Modi at center) prioritizes power over justice, making Bihar unsafe for women.

The government has responded by emphasizing zero tolerance, with Deputy CM Vijay Sinha meeting the family and promising action. However, protests continue, with calls for fast-track justice and transparency. This case has amplified demands for better hostel regulations and women's safety in Bihar. If new developments emerge, the narrative could shift.