The main accused in the alleged harassment of two minor teenagers in Bihar’s Jamui was shot in the leg by police, authorities said. Nandan Yadav and another suspect have been arrested in connection with the case.
The incident allegedly took place on September 19 when a Class 10 girl and her male friend, both teenagers, were returning from an outing on a two-wheeler. According to police, the accused intercepted them on the pretext of “moral policing”.
The girl was allegedly sexually assaulted while the boy was allegedly beaten. A video of the incident later surfaced on social media, prompting police action and widespread outrage.
Victims did not initially file complaint
Police said the two teenagers did not approach authorities immediately because they were allegedly afraid of the accused and had received threats.
Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal said the victims were traced after the video went viral. Police reportedly used the registration number of a vehicle visible in the footage to identify and locate them.
An FIR was subsequently registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police said three people were initially arrested after examining the video and other evidence. The latest arrests followed the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) headed by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Deepti Monali.
Video triggers police investigation
According to police, the video appears to have been recorded by one of the suspects. Authorities are investigating how the footage was circulated online and have initiated steps to remove it from social-media platforms.
A senior police officer said preliminary investigation indicated that one of those involved in the alleged offence may have recorded the incident and that the footage was subsequently circulated on social media.
Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident and the roles of all those allegedly involved.
Third suspect remains absconding
Police identified Ramashish Choudhary as a suspect who allegedly recorded the video. He remains absconding, according to the report.
The SIT is continuing its investigation, while police are working to establish the sequence of events and identify everyone involved in the alleged assault and circulation of the footage.
Authorities have also urged social-media platforms to remove the video to prevent further circulation of footage involving the minor victims.