Bihar Minister on Jamui molestation case: 'Anyone who harasses women won't be spared'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Wednesday, 23 September warned that the state government would not spare anyone who harasses women, as a political storm gathered over the molestation of a minor in Jamui district and the police encounter that followed. His remarks signal the ruling coalition's attempt to get ahead of a mounting opposition offensive on law and order in the state.
What the Minister Said
Addressing reporters, Yadav declared: 'The government will not tolerate people who create disorder in society, especially when women's safety is a priority for the government. It is the government's commitment that there should be no compromise on women's safety, and it works accordingly. You must have seen the result yesterday.'
He went further, adding: 'Anyone who harasses a woman will not be spared. So far, there has been a half encounter; something more may happen in the future. Therefore, people who indulge in such activities should control themselves.'
The Jamui Case and Police Action
The minister's statement directly referenced police action taken against the accused in the Jamui molestation case involving a minor. According to police, six people — including the main accused, Nandan Yadav — have been arrested in connection with the incident.
On Tuesday morning, police took Nandan Yadav and a co-accused, Hareram Yadav, to the crime scene as part of standard investigative procedure. Police stated that the two attempted to flee while in custody, prompting officers to act. Nandan Yadav sustained a gunshot injury to his leg; Hareram Yadav reportedly suffered a leg fracture after falling during the chase. Both were subsequently taken for medical treatment, according to police.
Opposition Demands and Political Confrontation
The Jamui case has sharply widened the fault lines between the ruling alliance and the opposition in Bihar. Bihar Assembly Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, asserting that the incident proved 'women and girls are not safe anywhere in the state.'
Former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey hit back, accusing Tejashwi Yadav of making allegations despite his own political record. Choubey referenced allegations of corruption against Tejashwi Yadav and his family, and also invoked the period that opponents of the former Bihar government have long described as 'Jungle Raj.'
Broader Context and What It Means
This is not the first time a police encounter in Bihar has become a flashpoint between the government and the opposition. The state has periodically witnessed high-profile custodial incidents that simultaneously draw praise from ruling-coalition supporters and sharp criticism from civil society and opposition parties over due process. Notably, Minister Yadav's explicit reference to a possible future encounter — 'something more may happen' — goes beyond routine reassurances and is certain to intensify scrutiny of police conduct in the state.
The case continues to evolve, with the government highlighting decisive police action and the opposition pressing on systemic failures in women's safety across Bihar. How the administration handles the remaining legal proceedings and any further police action will be closely watched.