Bihar auto driver arrested for molesting college student in Bhojpur
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bihar Police on Saturday, 26 September arrested an auto-rickshaw driver accused of molesting a college student in Bhojpur district, adding to a growing string of harassment cases reported across the state. The incident took place on the road between Mahuli and Balua villages, under the jurisdiction of Mufassil police station.
What Happened
According to the complaint, the undergraduate student was returning home from classes at Dhobaha Market when the driver of the auto-rickshaw she had boarded allegedly molested her. Police identified the accused as Vijay Kumar, also known by the aliases Chaurasia and Masto, a resident of Bakharia village.
The student reportedly jumped from the moving vehicle to escape the assault, sustaining head injuries in the process. She made her way home and informed her family, following which police registered a named First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.
Arrest and Seizure
Investigators arrested Vijay Kumar and seized his vehicle. Police said they are examining the full circumstances surrounding the incident and are pursuing further legal action based on the complaint and available evidence.
A Pattern Across Bihar
The Bhojpur case is not isolated. It comes against the backdrop of multiple harassment and molestation incidents reported from across Bihar in recent weeks. On 19 September, a Class 10 student was allegedly harassed and molested in Jamui district, and a male student accompanying her was assaulted — with the accused reportedly circulating a video of the incident on social media.
Subsequently, three videos purportedly showing similar incidents surfaced from Samastipur, while separate cases were also reported from Kishanganj and Banka districts. Police have arrested several accused in these cases, with investigations continuing in others.
Public Concern and Law-and-Order Debate
The cluster of incidents has reignited public debate about the safety of women and girls in Bihar and the state's broader law-and-order situation. Critics argue that recurring cases point to systemic gaps in enforcement and deterrence, and advocacy groups have called for faster prosecution and stricter preventive measures. The state government has not issued a formal statement on the incidents as of 26 September 2026.
With investigations ongoing in multiple districts, the pressure on Bihar Police to demonstrate accountability is intensifying.