Ranchi, Sep 21: Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari on Monday demanded the resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over a viral video showing the alleged assault and harassment of two minors in Jamui, while criticising the state government over the law-and-order situation.
Addressing reporters in Ranchi, Ansari condemned the incident and alleged that women and girls were not safe under the Bihar government. He also called for accountability at the highest level.
The minister’s remarks came after videos purportedly showing a Class 10 boy and girl being stopped and harassed by a group of people in Jamui surfaced on social media, triggering widespread public outrage. Police said the incident took place on September 19 in the Jamui Sadar police station area.
According to Jamui police, the two teenagers had reportedly gone to the area after attending coaching classes. Police took suo motu cognisance after the videos came to their notice, identified the victims and recorded their statements.
An FIR has been registered under relevant provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police have identified around seven persons allegedly involved in the incident and have arrested three so far, while searches are underway for the remaining suspects. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a woman police officer has also been constituted.
The National Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought action against those involved, including measures to prevent further circulation of the video and protect the privacy of the victims.
Ansari’s comments add to the political reactions following the incident. Opposition leaders have criticised the Bihar government over the safety of women and children, while the administration has said police action is underway.
The investigation into the incident is continuing, with police conducting searches for the remaining suspects. The identities of the minor victims have not been disclosed in keeping with legal protections for children.
