Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Feb 12: A 17-year-old Class 12 student was found dead outside a coaching centre building in Patna on Thursday morning, prompting a police investigation into whether she fell from an upper floor or was pushed. The incident has reignited concerns about student safety in the city.

The tragedy occurred at a coaching institute in Hari Nagar Colony near the AIIMS Patna roundabout, within the jurisdiction of Phulwarisharif police station. According to initial reports, the girl had left home around 8 a.m. to attend her classes. Within an hour, her family was informed that she had died.

Police said they received information about the incident at approximately 8.45 a.m. Officers rushed to the scene, took custody of the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination. “We have recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem. A detailed investigation is underway,” the Station House Officer of Phulwarisharif police station said.

The girl’s family has alleged foul play, claiming she was sexually assaulted and then pushed from the fourth floor of the building. They said they found her body lying on the road with visible injuries, and her slippers were recovered nearby.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the coaching centre. According to police sources, the footage shows the girl climbing the stairs, followed by two boys, which has raised suspicions among her family members. Authorities have questioned staff at the coaching centre as well as local residents.

Officials noted that the area around the coaching institute is relatively isolated and does not see heavy public movement.

Police have stated that it is too early to determine whether the death was a case of murder or suicide. All possible angles are being explored, and further clarity is expected once the post-mortem report and forensic findings are available.

The incident has once again brought attention to safety measures for students attending private coaching centres in the city.