The brutal assault on a NEET student in Patna’s Shambhu Girls’ Hostel has ignited a firestorm, putting every girls’ hostel in Bihar under the microscope. Responding to a High Court petition, the state’s Advocate General has mobilized top officials, with divisional commissioners relaying orders to DMs and SPs across nine divisions.
In Purnea division, Commissioner Rajesh Kumar has set a 15-day deadline for comprehensive audits of all facilities housing girls and women. All-women teams, headed by female judicial officers, will delve into security protocols, resident verification, operator credentials, and licensing compliance. Non-compliant hostels face immediate FIRs.
Past incidents in Purnea, including mysterious recoveries of girls’ bodies from College Road and Flower Mill Road hostels, underscore the urgency. Investigations were allegedly hushed up before, but this time, transparency is non-negotiable.
The initiative targets a proliferation of unregulated hostels catering to the state’s booming student population. By mandating detailed data collection—from safety infrastructure to personal records—this drive aims to eradicate vulnerabilities.
Bihar’s leadership signals zero tolerance for negligence endangering female students. As reports roll in, the state braces for potential closures and prosecutions, marking a pivotal shift in hostel oversight.