Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary’s remarks about “reel culture” while speaking about the Jamui molestation case have triggered a political controversy, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav attacking the state government over the handling of the incident.
The controversy began after Choudhary referred to the social media activity of the main accused while discussing his arrest. The chief minister said the accused’s habit of making reels helped investigators identify him.
Speaking at an event in Patna, Choudhary said, “The reel hero culture has become too much these days. Reels are being made these days. I had been watching this for the past two days; people were just making reels.”
He went on to link the accused’s social media activity with the police investigation and said criminals should not challenge the police.
“I repeatedly say that our administration is known for good governance, and without good governance, there can be no security. That is why I repeatedly tell criminals, why do you challenge my police? If you challenge them, you will get a response within 24 hours. There is no other way,” the chief minister said.
In another reported remark, Choudhary questioned whether the accused would have been identified had he not uploaded the reel. “Had they not uploaded those reels, they would have evaded arrest,” he was quoted as saying.
What Happened In The Jamui Case?
The controversy comes days after a disturbing incident involving a teenage boy and girl in Jamui district.
According to reports, the two were returning from coaching classes on September 19 when they were allegedly stopped and harassed by a group of people. Videos of the incident were subsequently circulated on social media, triggering public outrage and demands for police action.
The circulation of the footage helped bring the incident to wider public attention. Police registered a case and began identifying those allegedly involved.
The main accused, Nandan Yadav, was later apprehended after an encounter in which he sustained a gunshot injury to his leg, according to reports. Other arrests have also been made in connection with the case.
Samrat Choudhary’s ‘Reel Culture’ Remark
While speaking about the incident, Choudhary used the case to comment on the growing popularity of making short videos for social media.
He said people were increasingly focused on reels and warned against treating criminal activity as a way of gaining attention or becoming popular online.
The chief minister also stressed that criminals should not challenge the police and claimed that his administration would respond to such challenges quickly.
The remarks have since become another point of contention in the political debate surrounding the Jamui case.
Tejashwi Yadav Attacks Bihar Government
RJD leader and Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticised Choudhary over his comments and questioned the government’s handling of the incident.
Yadav has previously attacked the state government over the Jamui case, calling the incident shameful and raising questions about women’s and girls’ safety in Bihar. He has also demanded action against those accused in the case.
The latest exchange has turned the Jamui case into a wider political issue, with the ruling side highlighting police action and the opposition questioning the government’s response and law-and-order record.
Police Action And Investigation
The Jamui case remains under investigation, with authorities working to identify and arrest people allegedly involved in the incident.
Reports said an SIT was formed to investigate the case, while police have also taken action against social media accounts circulating material connected to the incident.
The circulation of videos has also raised concerns because some social media posts reportedly exposed the identity of the minor victim. Authorities and rights bodies have urged people not to share material that could identify the survivor.
Why The Remark Has Triggered A Political Row
The dispute is now centred on two separate issues: the police investigation into the Jamui incident and the political debate over how the state government has responded to it.
Choudhary has pointed to the social media footage and the accused’s online activity while highlighting the speed of police action. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have used the incident to question the government’s handling of law and order.
The controversy is expected to continue as the investigation into the incident progresses and more details emerge.
