The autopsy, conducted by a medical board at Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), states that the victim resisted her attackers for nearly one-and-a-half to two hours before her death. Doctors confirmed that all injuries were inflicted prior to death, indicating a prolonged and brutal assault rather than a sudden medical collapse.

Medical findings include deep crescent-shaped nail marks on the neck and shoulders, typically seen when a conscious victim struggles to escape while being overpowered. Multiple scratch marks across the chest and shoulder area point to continuous assault, while bruises on the back suggest repeated impact against a hard surface, indicating that the struggle lasted for hours.

Based on the pattern and severity of injuries, the medical board has not ruled out the involvement of more than one assailant.

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The genital examination recorded fresh injuries, deep abrasions, tissue trauma and excessive bleeding. The medical board categorically stated that these injuries are inconsistent with consensual sexual activity and clearly indicate forced penetration. Doctors noted that such extensive injuries across the body would not be present in cases of consent.

These findings directly contradict the police's earlier statements. Initially, police had ruled out sexual assault and suggested that the student died after allegedly consuming an overdose of sleeping pills.

The post-mortem report, however, confirms violent resistance, sexual assault and injuries sustained well before death, raising serious concerns about the initial investigation.

Attempts to dissolve the case

The victim's family has alleged attempts to suppress the case. They claim the hostel owner tried to offer money to settle the matter and that three suspects were questioned and later released, prompting questions over possible external pressure. The family also believes someone known to the victim may be involved, an angle they say was not properly investigated.

The student's uncle has accused the police and local administration of attempting to cover up the crime, calling it a clear case of gang rape and murder. He alleged that a police press conference held on 11 January - before the student's death - prematurely declared the incident a suicide.

He also questioned claims that 90 sleeping pills were recovered from the student's room, stating that such a quantity cannot legally be purchased without a prescription. Serious allegations have also been made against the hostel owner, hospital management and local police officials, with the family claiming they were offered up to ₹15 lakh to withdraw the complaint.

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Having lost faith in the local administration, the family has decided to approach the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court in search of justice.

With the autopsy report now in the public domain, the police's suicide theory has come under intense scrutiny. Earlier claims by Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma, who cited a sleeping pill overdose and alleged "suicide-related" internet searches on the victim's phone, are now being questioned.

Amid mounting pressure, Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an officer of SP rank. The investigation will be monitored daily by the Inspector General of Police of the Patna Range.

- IANS