Big twist in CBI investigation, now action will be taken under POCSO Act, Bihar government changed notification:

News India Live, Digital Desk: This change comes after a special court in Patna issued a strong rebuke to the CBI. The court had raised the question that when the victim was a minor and the forensic report had indicated sexual abuse, then why was the CBI investigating only under sections like ‘attempt to murder’.

Main points of the case

Problem with old FIR: The FIR lodged by Patna Police at Chitragupt Nagar police station on January 9, 2026, initially did not include sections of the POCSO Act. When the case was handed over to CBI, technically CBI was investigating on the basis of the same old FIR.

Court’s displeasure: During the hearing, the court asked that if the CBI has not imposed POCSO Act, then why is the accused (hostel owner Manish Ranjan) still kept in jail? The court had termed it as playing with the seriousness of the investigation.

Revised Notification: After the court’s strong remarks, the Home Department (Reserve Branch) of the Bihar government modified its earlier notification. Now CBI has got the power to investigate under all the sections including POCSO which were added later.

Forensic report reveals: Forensic examination (FSL) of the girl’s clothes Sperm Fragments were found, which strengthened the suspicion of rape. Despite this, in the initial investigation the police was trying to suppress it by calling it a case of suicide.

What was the matter?

The 17-year-old student, resident of Jehanabad, was preparing for NEET by staying in a private hostel in Patna. On 6 January 2026, she was found unconscious in her room and died during treatment on 11 January. From the very beginning, the family had accused the hostel owner of rape and murder. Two station in-charges have already been suspended for negligence in this matter.

Now what next?

Remand and Inquiry: After the addition of POCSO Act, CBI can now interrogate the accused Manish Ranjan by taking him on remand.

Provision for harsh punishment: After the implementation of the POCSO Act, now the culprits can be sentenced to life imprisonment or even death penalty.

Judicial Monitoring: The court is closely monitoring the progress of the case and the CBI will have to submit its fresh progress report in the next hearing.