Jamui: Three minors have been arrested after a video showing the alleged harassment and sexual assault of a Class 10 girl and her male classmate in Bihar’s Jamui district surfaced on social media, prompting widespread concern and police action.
The incident took place on the evening of September 19, when the two students, who are residents of Jamui town, were returning on a two-wheeler after attending coaching classes and visiting the Madwa hill area, according to Jamui police.
Police said a group allegedly stopped the two students on the road and subjected them to harassment and physical assault. The incident was recorded on video and subsequently circulated on social media.
The victims are both minors. Police took cognisance of the incident after the videos emerged online and subsequently contacted the students and recorded their statements. An FIR has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Three arrested, seven identified
Jamui Superintendent of Police Bishwajeet Dayal said investigators have identified around seven people allegedly involved in the incident with the help of the video footage.
Three accused have been arrested so far, while raids are being conducted to apprehend the remaining suspects, police said. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Jamui SDPO Deepti Monali, has been constituted to investigate the case and identify all those involved.
The police said the accused have been booked under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of criminal law. Reports citing senior police officials said the case includes Sections 8 and 12 of POCSO.
Police warn against sharing video
The circulation of the video has also become part of the police investigation.
Authorities have appealed to people not to download, forward or repost the footage, particularly because it involves a minor victim. Police have initiated action to have the videos removed from social media platforms.
The Bihar Police have also warned that people who circulate the video or reveal the identity of the minor could face legal action under applicable provisions, including the POCSO framework and laws protecting the identity of child victims.
According to reports, several social media accounts have been identified in connection with the circulation of the footage, with notices and further legal action being considered against those who shared it.
What happened in Jamui?
The videos circulating online show a group of people surrounding the two students on a road. The girl is seen being confronted by several people while her male companion is separated from her during parts of the incident.
The footage also shows the girl attempting to resist and asking the group to let her go. Police are examining the videos as part of the investigation.
The incident reportedly continued for some time before the two students were able to leave the spot.
Authorities have urged the public and media organisations not to publish or circulate the unblurred footage because it concerns a minor victim.
Police action began after video surfaced
According to Jamui police, the victims had not initially approached the police with a formal complaint. The incident came to the authorities’ attention after the video surfaced online.
Police subsequently contacted the victims and recorded their statements before registering an FIR.
SP Bishwajeet Dayal said the investigation was continuing and that efforts were underway to arrest all those identified in connection with the incident.
Women’s Commission takes cognisance
The Bihar State Women’s Commission has also taken cognisance of the incident and sought information from the district administration.
National Commission for Women (NCW) has separately taken suo motu cognisance of the case and sought action against those responsible, according to reports.
Rahul Gandhi reacts
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi reacted to the incident on X, describing the video as deeply disturbing and demanding prosecution of those involved under POCSO.
He questioned the safety of girls on public roads in Bihar and criticised what he described as attitudes that seek to control women’s movement and choices.
Other political leaders and parties have also criticised the incident and demanded action against those responsible.
Police investigation underway
The Jamui police investigation is now focused on identifying and arresting the remaining suspects, establishing the exact sequence of events and examining the circulation of the video.
Police have reiterated their appeal to the public not to share or repost the video, particularly because doing so could further violate the privacy and dignity of the minor victim.
The investigation remains ongoing.
