Jamui molestation case: Prime accused held after police encounter, five arrested so far

Patna, Sep 22
Bihar's Jamui police have arrested Nandan Yadav, the alleged prime accused in the molestation and harassment of a minor girl student, following a police encounter in which he sustained a gunshot injury to his leg, officials said on Tuesday.

According to police, Yadav was being taken to the reported crime scene as part of the investigation when he attempted to escape from custody. Police said an encounter followed, during which he was shot in the leg. He has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Investigators identified Yadav through a viral video of the incident. Police said he was the youth seen wearing a red gamchha in the footage that surfaced on social media.

Police have also arrested Ramashish Chaudhary, who is accused of circulating the video online. Authorities said the accused were identified with the help of the viral footage and other evidence collected during the investigation.

With the latest arrests, five people have been taken into custody in connection with the case so far, including three juveniles. The investigation is ongoing, with police probing the involvement of other individuals and examining the circumstances surrounding the recording and dissemination of the video.

The incident took place late on Saturday evening in the Madwa Pahar area of Jamui district, where a minor girl student was allegedly stopped and molested by a group of youths while returning from the area. A male student accompanying her was also allegedly assaulted, according to the FIR.

The matter came to light after a video of the incident began circulating on social media on Sunday evening, prompting the district administration to contact the victim's family and register a case.

Meanwhile, Jamui police have intensified action against individuals accused of sharing the video or disclosing information that could reveal the identity of the minor victim.

Police said FIRs have been registered against operators of 120 social media profiles across multiple platforms for alleged violations related to the circulation of the content.

Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal warned that revealing the identity of a minor victim constitutes a serious offence and can attract action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.

Cases have been registered at Jamui Sadar Police Station under the relevant provisions, he said.