Jamui: The investigation into the alleged harassment and assault of two Class 10 students in Bihar’s Jamui has widened, with the police arresting the main accused and taking action against several others allegedly linked to the September 19 incident. The case came to public attention after a video of the incident was circulated widely on social media.
Police identified Nandan Yadav as one of the key accused and arrested him following an operation on September 22. According to police, Yadav sustained a gunshot injury to his leg during the encounter. Another accused, Hare Ram Yadav, was also arrested during the operation and reportedly suffered a leg injury. Three other people had been arrested earlier.
The incident took place on the evening of September 19. According to the police investigation, the teenage boy and girl, who were friends and attended the same coaching institute, were travelling on a scooter when a group of youths allegedly stopped them. The two were allegedly forced off the vehicle and assaulted. The group also allegedly followed them when they tried to leave.
The incident was recorded on video, and footage later appeared on social media. Investigators used the available footage and other evidence to identify people allegedly involved in the incident. Police said around seven people had been identified from the footage. A Special Investigation Team headed by Jamui SDPO Deepti Monali was formed to investigate the case and trace the remaining suspects.
An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police also began a separate investigation into the circulation of the video online.
Authorities said action was taken against around 120 social media profiles allegedly involved in sharing material that could reveal the identity of the minor girl. Police appealed to people not to download, share or repost the footage.
Another development came on September 24 when police arrested Ganauri Yadav, the father of Nandan Yadav, during the search for his son. Police said Ganauri was wanted in connection with a 2003 double murder case and had allegedly remained absconding for years. His arrest relates to that older case and is separate from the investigation into the Jamui incident.
Police said the investigation into the September 19 incident is continuing, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend all those allegedly involved. The allegations against the accused will be decided through the judicial process.
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