Patna: The controversy over a photograph of the minor victim in the Jamui assault case appearing on Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary’s social media handle has moved into a formal police investigation, with an FIR registered against a stenographer in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
According to the complaint and police documents cited in the case, Sachivalaya Police Station Case No. 200/26 was registered on September 25 against Sagar Prasad, identified as a stenographer in the CMO.
The FIR invokes Section 73 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and Sections 66(E) and 67 of the Information Technology Act. Sub-Inspector Seema Kumari has been assigned to investigate the case.
Complaint Alleges Victim’s Identity Was Exposed
The complaint states that a photograph of the Jamui incident victim and her family was uploaded on X and subsequently circulated on other social media platforms.
It alleges that the publication of the photograph made sensitive information relating to the incident public, compromising the minor’s privacy and dignity and exposing her identity.
According to the police action recorded in the document, verification of the complaint identified Sagar Prasad, a CMO stenographer, as the person who uploaded the photograph to X. The complaint subsequently sought registration of an FIR and legal action against Prasad and others who further circulated the post.
Photograph Was Later Deleted
The controversy began after CM Samrat met the minor and her family following the September 19 Jamui incident. A photograph from the meeting was subsequently posted on the Chief Minister’s social media handle along with an assurance of speedy justice.
The post was later deleted, but a screenshot had already circulated widely on social media. News reports have also recorded that the photograph became the subject of criticism after opposition leaders alleged that it could reveal the identity of the minor.
The complaint and subsequent FIR have now shifted the issue from political allegations to a police investigation into who uploaded and circulated the photograph.
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POCSO Provisions At The Centre Of Dispute
Section 23 of the POCSO Act deals with restrictions on reporting and publication concerning children who are victims of sexual offences. The provision is particularly relevant in the Jamui case because police have also been taking action against social media accounts accused of circulating material that could identify the minor.
The Jamui incident itself involved a minor girl and a teenage boy who were allegedly stopped and assaulted by a group of people on September 19. A video of the incident subsequently circulated on social media, prompting a police investigation and action against those allegedly involved.
Opposition Had Demanded Action
The photograph triggered criticism from RJD leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and, his sister and RJD MP Misa Bharti.
Yadav alleged that the photograph posted from the Chief Minister’s social media handle exposed the minor’s identity and cited Section 23 of the POCSO Act. Bharti also shared a screenshot of the post and called for an FIR. Their allegations were reported after the photograph was deleted.
The registration of the FIR against a CMO stenographer now places the matter before the police, which will investigate the circumstances surrounding the uploading and subsequent circulation of the photograph.
The FIR itself records the allegation against Sagar Prasad; it does not, by itself, establish criminal liability, which will be determined through the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
