- Police registered FIRs against 120 social media accounts.
- Accounts shared unblurred videos of minor molestation victim.
- SP warned strict legal action under POCSO Act.
Jagran correspondent, Jamui: Jamui police have expanded the scope of their investigation into the case involving the molestation of a minor girl. After arresting the main accused, the police have now taken a tough stance against those who exposed the identity of the minor victim.
A formal FIR has been registered against the social media handles and users who circulated the video on social media without blurring the face of the victim.
In a sharp warning to users, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishwajeet Daya said that those who show insensitivity on social media and those who forward videos by ignoring the law will not be spared under any circumstances.
He explained that disclosing the identity of any minor victim in any form is a serious offence under the law. Section 23 of the POCSO Act clearly provides for strict punishment and fines for violating the privacy and identity of the victim.
120 accounts of Facebook, Instagram and X on radar
Investigations by the Cyber Cell and Technical Surveillance Team have so far identified 120 social media accounts that posted unblurred videos in an effort to garner views and create sensationalism. These accounts are primarily registered with Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Police have initiated legal takedown proceedings against all 120 handles and are identifying their operators and pursuing legal action.
Delete immediately instead of sharing
SP Dayal appealed to the public to exercise responsibility and maturity in the matter, given its sensitivity. He urged that under no circumstances should the objectionable footage be downloaded, shared, or reposted. If anyone receives this video on their mobile phone or in a WhatsApp group, they should immediately delete it from their device instead of forwarding it.
"Revealing the identity of a minor victim is a serious offence under the law. 120 accounts that posted the video without blurring it on social media have been identified, and FIRs have been registered. These handles are being taken down. Members of the public should not share this video on any platform; otherwise, strict legal action will be taken against them as well," Vishwajeet Dayal, Superintendent of Police (SP), Jamui said.