Viral Video Triggers Police Action After Jamui Teens Are Harassed
JAMUI, Bihar — Three people have been arrested in Bihar’s Jamui district after a video showing the alleged harassment and sexual assault of two minor students surfaced on social media, prompting police action.
The incident took place on the evening of September 19, when a Class 10 boy and girl were returning on a two-wheeler after attending coaching classes, according to police and multiple reports. The teenagers were stopped by a group of people in the Jamui area and allegedly subjected to harassment and physical assault.
The video footage, which circulated widely online, appears to show several people surrounding the teenagers. The girl is seen being subjected to inappropriate physical contact, while the boy is assaulted and prevented from leaving. Another portion of the footage appears to show a man grabbing and attempting to carry the girl away.
The footage has not been independently authenticated by all outlets that reported on it. However, Jamui police took cognisance of the material, identified the two teenagers and recorded their statements.
Police register POCSO case
According to reports citing police, an FIR was registered at Jamui Sadar police station under the provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The reported charges include POCSO Sections 8 and 12, along with BNS provisions concerning assault or criminal force against a woman, use of criminal force with intent to disrobe, and common intention.
A special investigation team has also been constituted, with police conducting raids to locate other people allegedly involved in the incident. Three suspects had been arrested by Monday, while the investigation into the remaining suspects was continuing.
Police have also been working to have the circulated footage removed from online platforms, according to reports.
Incident reportedly followed a coaching class
The two teenagers, both reported to be Class 10 students, were returning from coaching when they were stopped. Reports place the incident in the Jamui Sadar area, with some accounts identifying the route near the Jamui-Lakhisarai border.
The incident reportedly occurred between about 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on September 19.
The video shows the teenagers repeatedly asking the group to let them leave. The boy is seen trying to protect or assist the girl while members of the group continue to confront them.
Because the victims are minors, REPORTIVA is not publishing their names or other identifying details.
Police action followed circulation of video
Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal said police became aware of the incident through the video and subsequently identified the teenagers and recorded their statements. Earlier on Monday, he said police were working to identify and apprehend those seen in the footage.
By the afternoon, reports said three arrests had been made.
The Week reported that police had identified those involved and that the Bihar State Women’s Commission had also taken cognisance of the matter. The commission sought details from the Jamui administration and called for action against those responsible.
The identities of the three arrested people have not been consistently reported across the major sources reviewed, so REPORTIVA is not publishing names at this stage.
Women’s commission seeks action
The incident has also drawn attention from the Bihar State Women’s Commission. Commission president Apsara Mishra told PTI that she had seen the video and spoken with the Jamui district administration. She said the district magistrate had informed the commission that the people involved had been identified and an FIR had been registered.
The commission is seeking further information from the police on the investigation and action taken.
The case has also prompted political reactions. Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the incident and called for those responsible to face action under the POCSO Act. His comments are a political reaction to the incident rather than an independent finding about the case.
Investigation continues
The immediate police focus is on identifying and arresting the remaining suspects and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities are also examining the video footage and the statements of the two teenagers. It remains unclear from the information publicly available whether the person who recorded the footage is among those already arrested.
The case remains under investigation. The arrests are allegations at this stage, and the accused are entitled to due process.
The incident came to wider public attention only after footage circulated online. Police action has since resulted in an FIR, the formation of a special investigation team, and three arrests.
This story may be updated as new information becomes available.
