OMM Redaksiyası
A video showing a teenage girl being sexually assaulted and her male friend beaten by a group of men in India’s Bihar state has triggered widespread outrage. The incident took place in Jamui district on 19 September, according to the BBC.
The two victims, both minors and 10th-standard students, were reportedly stopped at about 19:00 local time on Saturday after attending the same coaching institute. Police said they had gone to the area to take photographs after classes.
Footage circulated online shows the teenagers surrounded by a group of people and repeatedly asking to be allowed to leave. The boy is slapped and pulled by his collar, while the girl is touched inappropriately. In another clip, a man carries her away as the boy tries to intervene.
Three minors arrested
Jamui police chief Bishwajeet Dayal said the teenagers did not initially report the incident. Officers began investigating after the video went viral and traced them using the registration number of a vehicle visible in the footage.
Their statements were later recorded, and a case was registered after the girl submitted a written complaint. Authorities invoked India’s Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, known as Pocso, along with criminal provisions relating to assault, attempts to disrobe a woman and acts carried out with common intention.
Senior police officer KS Anupam said three minors had been arrested and investigators had established the involvement of two other people. A special investigation team has been formed to identify and arrest the remaining suspects.
Police have also begun action against 32 social media accounts accused of sharing footage in which the teenagers could be identified. India’s National Commission for Women called for all those involved to be arrested and urged authorities to stop further circulation of the clips to protect the girl’s identity and privacy.
Political backlash and safety concerns
The incident has renewed debate over the safety of women and girls in Bihar. Anger intensified after Bihar minister Shravan Kumar said that “sporadic incidents keep happening” and that the government was monitoring the situation. He said those responsible would face strict action.
Umesh Kushwaha of the governing Janata Dal (United) also faced criticism after describing such cases as “isolated incidents”. He later said his remarks had been “distorted and misrepresented” and promised action against those responsible.
Bihar minister and Jamui legislator Shreyasi Singh told NDTV that the incident had brought “shame to society”. She called for the remaining suspects to be arrested quickly and for strict punishment.
Opposition leaders have used the case to question the state government’s record on women’s safety. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described the footage as “deeply disturbing” and said it reflected a patriarchal belief that men could control a girl’s body, movements and choices.
Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav said he was “deeply ashamed” and accused the government of failing to protect women and girls. Members of the governing coalition rejected the broader criticism of Bihar’s law-and-order record, while saying those responsible would face strict action.
The Bihar State Women’s Commission has requested information from district authorities about the measures being taken in the case.
