Three people have been arrested in Bihar’s Jamui after a video showing the alleged harassment of a minor girl and her male friend spread widely on social media, triggering public anger and political reactions.
The incident reportedly involved two Class 10 students who were travelling on a road when they were allegedly stopped by a group of youths.
The video circulating online appears to show the girl asking the group to leave her alone. One person is allegedly seen holding and pulling her, while her male friend appears to step in.
The footage has not only led to police action but has also raised questions about the safety of minors in public places.
Police file case under POCSO
Jamui Police took note of the video and registered an FIR on September 21.
The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, commonly known as the POCSO Act.
Police said the people allegedly seen in the video were identified during the investigation. Three suspects have been arrested so far.
An SIT has also been formed to trace the other people allegedly involved in the incident.
The team is being led by SDPO Deepti Monali following directions from Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal.
Raids underway for other suspects
According to the police, the investigation is continuing and teams are conducting raids at different locations to locate the remaining accused.
Authorities are also taking steps to remove the viral video from online platforms.
The police action came after the footage generated widespread reactions on social media.
Officials are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the role of each person allegedly involved.
Rahul Gandhi reacts to viral footage
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also responded to the incident and criticised what he described as the treatment of the minor girl.
Reacting to the footage, Gandhi called it “deeply disturbing” and said, “This is not ‘culture’. It is patriarchy.”
He demanded that everyone allegedly involved in the incident be identified and prosecuted under the POCSO Act.
Gandhi also questioned the timing of the arrests and asked why the suspects had not been arrested earlier if the incident had taken place on September 19.
He further raised concerns about the safety of girls in public spaces.
Political controversy follows police action
The Jamui case has also become part of a wider political debate in Bihar.
JD(U) Bihar president Umesh Kushwaha earlier described the incident as a “sporadic incident” while defending the government’s response to law-and-order issues.
His remarks drew criticism from the RJD, which accused the ruling side of attempting to minimise the seriousness of the case.
Kushwaha later clarified his position and described the incident as “shameful and inhuman”. He said such an incident could not be accepted in a civilised society.
He also pointed to the police investigation, saying that an SIT had been formed and that arrests had already been made.
Investigation continues
With three arrests already made, police are now looking for the remaining suspects allegedly connected to the incident.
The case is being investigated under laws protecting children from sexual offences, while authorities are also working to remove the video from social media platforms.
The identities and specific roles of
