The alleged molestation and assault of a minor student and her male friend in Bihar’s Jamui district on September 19 triggered widespread outrage after videos of the incident surfaced on social media. The case led to a series of arrests, including the alleged main accused, who was injured during a police encounter.
The investigation also brought an unrelated 2003 double-murder case to light, leading to the arrest of the father of the alleged main accused after nearly 23 years on the run.
September 19: Two Minors Allegedly Assaulted In Jamui
The incident occurred on September 19 at approximately 7:00 PM. After finishing their coaching classes, the two minors went for a photo session and were travelling on a scooter when a group of men intercepted them, Jagran.com reported.
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The men confronted the minors in an isolated area, harassing, humiliating, and verbally abusing them. The situation escalated when one of the individuals grabbed the girl from behind and forcefully dragged her away, inappropriately touching her as captured in the video.
The video shows the girl pleading with folded hands, saying, "Hum bacche hain, humein jaane do (We are minors, please let us go)." Despite her pleas, the group continued to harass and humiliate the duo.
September 21: Viral Videos Trigger Police Action
The videos began circulating widely on social media on September 21, bringing the incident to the attention of the police. Authorities took suo motu cognisance and registered a case under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, POCSO Act and Information Technology Act.
Police subsequently arrested three accused and began efforts to identify and trace the remaining suspects.
September 22: Main Accused Injured During Police Encounter
The investigation moved forward the following day when police arrested two accused in the Jamui molestation case.
One accused, identified as Nandan Yadav, has been shot in the leg during a police encounter in the Town Police Station area, while the other accused, Hareram Yadav, sustained a fracture in his leg while trying to flee during the police raid.
With the two arrests, a total of six people, including three minors, have been arrested so far in the case. Earlier in the day, Bihar police arrested Ramashish Chaudhary, who allegedly shared the viral video of the incident on social media.
September 23: Investigation Leads Police To 2003 Double-Murder Case
The probe took another turn when police, while investigating Nandan Yadav's background, traced his father, Ganouri Yadav.
Police said Ganouri was wanted in connection with a double-murder case registered in 2003 in Jamui's Pratappur area. He had remained absconding for nearly 23 years and was arrested during a raid at his son's residence. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody.
September 24: Victim's Family Meets Bihar CM
On September 24, the victim's family met Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The family was assured security and support, including assistance regarding the student's further education.
The victim's mother also welcomed the swift police action following the incident and the arrest of the alleged main accused.
"CM had called us here. He has given us assurance for her safety, education, and everything. He has told us that our daughter is like his daughter and has given us assurance. It felt good to meet him," ANI quoted the victim's mother.
Similar Videos Emerge From Samastipur, Banka
The Jamui case was followed by the emergence of videos showing alleged incidents of molestation in Bihar's Samastipur and Banka districts.
In Samastipur, two videos involving similar allegations surfaced. Police arrested four accused in connection with the first video, while the second incident remained under investigation.
The developments in Jamui and the two other districts have since triggered separate police investigations into the alleged incidents.