A viral video from Bihar’s Jamui showing two Class 10 students allegedly being stopped and harassed by a group of men has triggered widespread concern, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanding strict action against those involved.
The incident reportedly took place on the evening of September 19, when the teenage boy and girl were returning from coaching classes on a scooter. According to reports, the two were stopped by a group of men in the Jamui area and allegedly subjected to harassment and physical intimidation.
The videos circulating online appear to show the students surrounded by several people. In one clip, the boy is seen being pulled by his collar, while the girl is allegedly grabbed and dragged by some members of the group. The students are also seen asking to be allowed to leave.
Rahul Gandhi Calls Incident ‘Deeply Disturbing’
Reacting to the incident, Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the behaviour shown in the video and questioned the authority of the men who allegedly confronted the teenagers.
“This is not ‘culture’. It is patriarchy: the belief that any man can police a girl’s body, her movement, her choices,” Gandhi said.
He questioned why a group of men should have the right to stop and question a girl over her movements and choices.
Gandhi also demanded that everyone involved in the alleged harassment be identified and prosecuted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
‘Why Are The Culprits Not Behind Bars Yet?’
Gandhi also questioned the reported timing of the incident and asked why arrests had not been made earlier.
“If the incident happened on September 19th, why are the culprits not behind bars yet?” he said, while also asking the Bihar government to explain why a girl was allegedly not safe on a public road in the evening.
His comments have added a political dimension to the incident, with the Congress leader raising questions about the safety of girls in Bihar.
Viral Videos Show Students Being Stopped
The videos reportedly show the two teenagers travelling on a scooter after visiting the Madwa Pahad area. The group allegedly stopped them on the road and surrounded them.
In one clip, the boy is seen trying to protect the girl as members of the group confront them. Another portion appears to show a man grabbing the girl and attempting to move her away while she pleads with the group to let them go.
The videos have been widely circulated on social media. Police have been examining the footage and speaking to the two students as part of the investigation.
FIR Registered, Three Arrested
Jamui Police have taken cognisance of the incident and registered an FIR. Police have also identified people allegedly involved in the incident.
Latest reports say three people have been arrested, while further efforts are underway to identify and take action against others allegedly involved.
Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and the exact roles of the individuals seen in the videos.
The case has raised concerns over the alleged harassment of minors, public safety and the practice of confronting young people under the guise of moral policing. The investigation will establish the full circumstances and determine the offences applicable to those accused.
