Three minors have been taken into custody in relation to the alleged harassment and molestation of two Class 10 students in Jamui, Bihar. This incident reportedly took place on Saturday evening and was captured on video, which subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms. Senior police officer KS Anupam confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the Jamui police station, invoking Sections 128, 74, and 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), as well as Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The minors aged 17 and 18, who are allegedly involved in the incident, were detained shortly after the police received details from the victims. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been established to oversee the investigation, which is under the direction of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) for Jamui.

According to reports, the two students, one male and one female, were returning home from their coaching classes and stopped in the Madwa Pahad area. A group of men reportedly blocked their path near a hilly area approximately three kilometres from the Jamui-Lakhisarai main road, where they verbally abused the minors and forced them off their scooter.

Ongoing Police Investigation

The police have identified between seven to eight individuals connected to the incident. The officer indicated that the criminal backgrounds of these individuals are currently being assessed. There is also a plan to review the patrolling protocols in the area where the harassment occurred to improve safety measures.

Upon investigation, police interrogated the students, which helped to gather critical information about the suspects. The authorities are diligently pursuing leads to locate any additional suspects involved in the case. The police have indicated that further action will be taken against anyone found complicit in the crime.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities are focusing on understanding the precise events that unfolded during the incident while establishing the individual roles of each accused. The current priority remains the identification of all participants in this egregious act.

Actions Against Social Media Accounts

In response to the widespread circulation of the video depicting the incident, police have initiated action against various social media accounts. So far, reports indicate that 13 accounts on Facebook, 12 on Instagram, and seven on X have been earmarked for removal due to their role in disseminating the compromising material.

According to officer Anupam, sharing videos that expose the identity or face of minors constitutes a legal offence. Those responsible for disseminating such content may face repercussions under the POCSO Act and Section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with notable political figures, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, demanding swift identification and prosecution of all individuals involved under the applicable legal frameworks. Concerns regarding the safety of minors in public spaces have been raised, particularly in Bihar, where the incident is seen as symptomatic of broader issues related to law and order. This situation has escalated into a political discourse, prompting criticisms of the state government by various opposition members.

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