Patna: Bihar minister Ashok Choudhary’s remarks that incidents of sexual harassment also occur in countries such as the United States and Japan have triggered a political controversy, coming days after alleged assaults in Jamui and a fresh harassment case in Samastipur.
Choudhary, while defending the Bihar government’s response to the incidents, said no government could guarantee that crimes would completely stop. He maintained that the administration had acted promptly and would not protect anyone accused of wrongdoing.
The minister’s comments came after a video purportedly showing a girl being harassed by a group of youths in Samastipur surfaced on social media. Police said four suspects had been arrested and that the victim appeared to be a minor. Authorities also urged people not to circulate material that could reveal her identity.
The Samastipur case followed an alleged incident in Jamui on September 19 involving two teenagers returning from coaching classes. Police said the pair were stopped by a group of men, after which the boy was allegedly assaulted and the girl allegedly molested. Videos of the incident subsequently circulated online.
Police registered a case under relevant provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and arrested suspects. Investigators said efforts were continuing to identify others allegedly involved.
Choudhary said the administration responded within 24 hours in Jamui and within 12 hours in Samastipur. He rejected suggestions that the government had lost control of the law-and-order situation and said action would be taken against anyone found responsible.
His comments, however, drew criticism from opposition leaders. Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan questioned the effectiveness of the government’s response, while Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav criticised the state government over the broader law-and-order situation.
Meanwhile, Samastipur MP Shambhavi Choudhary, the minister’s daughter, condemned the alleged incident in her constituency and called for a review of laws concerning women’s safety. She also raised concerns about videos of alleged crimes being recorded and circulated on social media.
The controversy has put renewed focus on policing, public safety and the government’s response to alleged crimes against women and minors in Bihar.
ALSO READ: Jamui Case: Main Accused Arrested After Police Encounter, Investigation Widens