Patna, Sep 21: A video showing the alleged molestation of a minor girl and assault of her male friend in Bihar’s Jamui has triggered public outrage and a political controversy, with police saying three people, including minors, have been taken into custody.
The two victims, both Class 10 students, were reportedly returning from coaching classes when a group of men stopped them on a road on September 19, police said. The group allegedly assaulted the boy and molested the girl.
Police said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been conducting raids to apprehend others involved in the incident. Cases have been registered under provisions of the POCSO and Juvenile Justice Acts.
Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar assured that the government would conduct a thorough investigation and take strict action against those responsible.
“It can’t be denied that petty incidents do take place. Crime hasn’t ended in the world,” Kumar said, referring to the incident while responding to criticism from the Opposition.
His remarks drew criticism from Opposition leaders, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alleging that women and girls were unsafe in the state.
“It’s a very sad incident. We are ashamed, but the government has no shame or embarrassment,” Yadav said.
He also alleged that the incident showed that girls were not safe in Bihar “be it day or night”.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the incident as “deeply disturbing” and attributed such crimes to what he called “patriarchy”.
“This is not ‘culture’. It is patriarchy: the belief that any man can police a girl’s body, her movement, her choice,” Gandhi said, demanding that those responsible be brought to justice under stringent laws.
Janshakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav also demanded action and threatened a hunger strike and protest movement if the government failed to respond.
“The Bihar government bears full accountability for this, and the Chief Minister must answer for it,” he said.
Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP from Jamui Arun Bharti termed the incident a matter of concern but rejected the Opposition’s allegation that it demonstrated “Jungle Raj” in Bihar.
“As soon as the incident came to our attention and the district administration’s attention today, we have been on course to make sure that the culprits are brought to justice,” Bharti said.
The investigation into the incident is underway.
