Jamui: Jamui Police have registered a case against around 120 social media profile holders for allegedly sharing and circulating a video related to the alleged harassment of a minor girl, thereby revealing her identity.
Jamui Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishwajeet Dayal said during a press conference on Monday night that a case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station against people who allegedly circulated the video on different social media platforms while disclosing the identity of the minor victim.
The police are examining the social media accounts and digital evidence associated with the circulation of the video.
Sharing video identifying minor is serious offence: SP
SP Dayal said police initiated action after receiving information about the incident in Jamui. During the investigation, police also found that a video related to the incident was being circulated on social media along with information that could reveal the minor’s identity.
According to the SP, circulating a video involving a minor victim in a manner that reveals her identity is an offence under applicable provisions of the POCSO Act, Information Technology Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
The police have named around 120 profile holders who allegedly circulated the video on different social media platforms. Their accounts and related digital evidence are being examined as part of the investigation.
Police warn against sharing or forwarding video
The police action is not limited to those who allegedly recorded or initially uploaded the video. Investigators are also identifying people who allegedly shared or further circulated it through different social media accounts.
SP Dayal appealed to the public not to download, forward or circulate any video related to the minor victim.
He said that circulating such material can expose the identity of the victim and may itself attract legal action.
The police have advised social media users who receive such a video to report it to the authorities instead of forwarding or sharing it.
Police investigating main accused
Police said the investigation into the original incident is continuing and that the roles of the people allegedly involved are being examined.
According to the SP, police are analysing videos, social media posts and other digital evidence connected with the incident to establish the sequence of events and identify the individuals involved.
The police said efforts are underway to trace the main accused and assured that action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Police appeal against revealing victim’s identity
The SP also appealed to the public not to share any information that could reveal the identity of the minor victim.
Police stressed the importance of protecting the victim’s privacy and safety, particularly in cases involving minors.
The police said people often forward viral content without verifying its authenticity or considering its legal implications. In this case, sharing or circulating material that reveals the identity of the minor could expose social media users to legal action.
Police said the investigation into the incident and the action against those allegedly circulating the video will continue.
