A viral video allegedly showing the molestation of a minor girl and assault of her male companion in Bihar's Jamui district has triggered a sharp political confrontation, with opposition leaders demanding accountability and the ruling alliance defending the administration's swift response. Three accused have been arrested so far, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to conduct a speedy and impartial probe.

What Happened in Jamui

The incident took place on 19 September in a hilly area near the Jamui-Lakhisarai border, around three kilometres from the main road. According to police, two Class 10 students — a girl and a boy — were returning from coaching classes on a scooter when a group of youths allegedly stopped them between 6:25 pm and 6:30 pm. The girl was allegedly molested and the boy assaulted. A video of the incident subsequently surfaced on social media and drew widespread outrage.

Police Action and Investigation

Bihar Police ADG (Law and Order) K.S. Anupam confirmed that three individuals have been arrested, two of whom are aged between 17 and 18 years. An FIR has been registered at Jamui police station under Sections 128, 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), along with Sections 8 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police have identified around seven to eight individuals whose alleged roles are under examination, with their criminal antecedents being verified. Patrolling arrangements in the area are also under review for possible lapses.

The Bihar State Women's Commission has taken cognisance of the incident. Commission chairperson Apsara spoke with the Jamui District Magistrate and directed strict action against anyone found responsible, stating that incidents involving women and girls cannot be tolerated.

The police cyber team has initiated takedown action against 32 social-media accounts — including 13 Facebook accounts, 12 Instagram accounts, and 7 accounts on X — to prevent further circulation of the video. Authorities warned that sharing material that could identify the minor victim is punishable under law.

Opposition Demands Action

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the Bihar government over the incident in a post on X, describing the video as disturbing. Gandhi alleged that the students had been stopped, harassed and humiliated, and demanded that all individuals visible in the footage be identified and prosecuted under the POCSO Act. He also questioned the safety of girls travelling on Bihar's roads and sought an explanation for the delay in arresting all those allegedly involved.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President Tejashwi Yadav also shared the video on X, alleging a deterioration in law and order. He claimed women and female students were no longer safe in the state and accused the NDA government of failing to protect women, students, poor people and Dalits. Yadav further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary over political decisions and alleged misuse of public money during the Assembly election period.

Ruling Alliance Hits Back

Bihar Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] president Umesh Kushwaha asserted that the government was sensitive to such incidents and that swift action was being taken against those responsible. He compared the present situation with Bihar before 2005, arguing that law and order had been far worse during the earlier RJD-led period and termed the opposition's criticism politically motivated.

Union Minister and senior JD(U) leader Lalan Singh also defended the government's record, stating that those questioning the administration's performance should recall the 1990–2005 period, when, according to him, women were afraid to step out after sunset. Singh maintained that the situation had changed significantly and that people could now move freely across the state at night.

What Comes Next

The SIT, constituted under the supervision of the Jamui Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), is expected to fast-track the investigation. Police continue to search for the remaining suspects and are examining video footage, witness statements and other evidence to establish individual roles. The case underscores a recurring pattern in Bihar where incidents involving women and minors ignite immediate political flashpoints ahead of election cycles, with accountability frameworks — including POCSO's stringent provisions — being invoked as a measure of the administration's seriousness.