The main accused in the alleged harassment of a minor girl and her male companion in Bihar’s Jamui was shot in the leg during a police encounter in the Town Police Station area on Tuesday, police sources said.
The police action followed the circulation of a purported video on social media showing a group of youths allegedly harassing and molesting the minor girl and her male companion in Jamui.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said strict action would be taken against everyone involved in the incident. He also said a case had been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Addressing a press conference, Chaudhary thanked the media for highlighting the incident and said the government would ensure strict punishment for those found guilty. He said the strongest possible action would be taken against those who allegedly recorded and circulated the video, as well as those involved in the incident.
Chaudhary said authorities were working to identify all the accused and assured that strict action would follow against them. Asked about reports of an encounter involving the main accused, Nandan Yadav, he said he had no information on the matter at that time.
Bihar Minister Shrawon Kumar said the state police had responded swiftly to the incident and assured that no accused would be spared.
“It is very tragic. It is a shameful incident, and no matter how much it is condemned, it is not enough. Those who were involved in this incident were arrested yesterday, and the police are taking strict action against those who are guilty. Those who commit such acts will not be spared; the strictest action will be taken against them… The government is working to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” he said.
Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, Ashwamedh Devi said, “The administration is doing its work… FIR has been lodged against 120 people including the one who released the video. 2 arrests have been made and more arrests are being made. Our government will not spare those involved in this case.”
Earlier in the day, ADG (Law and Order) KS Anupam said the incident happened on September 19 and that police had recorded the girl’s statement before making arrests.
“On the 19th, a minor girl had gone to take photographs with her friend in Jamui. At that time, some minor students and youths arrived there and molested the girl. Upon receiving the information, the police visited the girl’s home and recorded her statement.
“Subsequently, the Jamui police have apprehended three minors. Information regarding the involvement of two other individuals has also been received. A case has been registered under various sections, including the POCSO Act,” Anupam said on Monday.
