A viral video from Bihar’s Jamui district has triggered widespread outrage after two Class 10 students—a boy and a girl—were allegedly stopped and harassed by a group of men while returning from coaching on September 19. The incident, which reportedly occurred around 7 pm, came to light after the footage surfaced on social media. Police have registered a case, identified seven people and arrested three so far, while an investigation is underway.
An alleged harassment of two minor students in Bihar’s Jamui district has raised serious concerns over the safety of children in public spaces. According to police and reports, the Class 10 boy and girl, who are friends and attend the same coaching institute, were travelling on a scooter on the evening of September 19 when they were allegedly intercepted by a group of men.
The incident reportedly took place around 6–7 pm. Videos circulated on social media showed the two teenagers surrounded by several people. The footage triggered widespread public anger and prompted the police to trace the victims and begin an investigation.
Jamui Superintendent of Police Bishwajeet Dayal said the victims had not initially approached the police. After the video surfaced, however, the authorities traced them with the help of the scooter's registration number. Police subsequently registered a case and began identifying those allegedly involved.
The investigation has so far identified seven people in connection with the incident, with three arrested, according to police reports. Authorities are continuing efforts to establish the role of the remaining suspects. A Special Investigation Team has also been formed to investigate the viral footage and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has also brought the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act into focus. Reports indicate that a case under POCSO has been registered following the investigation into the alleged harassment of the minors.
The Bihar State Commission for Women has taken cognisance of the matter as well. Its chairperson Apsara Mishra said the commission had spoken with the Jamui district magistrate. Officials reportedly established the identity of the victims using the vehicle registration number visible in the video and subsequently contacted them.
The circulation of the footage has also sparked a wider debate over the recording and sharing of videos involving victims, particularly minors. While social media helped bring the incident to the attention of authorities, the dissemination of sensitive footage involving children raises important questions about privacy and responsible online behaviour.
The incident also drew a political response. Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi condemned the alleged harassment and called for strict action under POCSO. He questioned the safety of women and girls on Bihar's roads and criticised what he described as patriarchal attitudes behind such behaviour. His comments added a political dimension to an already sensitive law-and-order case.
For the police, the immediate task is to complete the identification of all those involved, establish the sequence of events and proceed according to law. The arrests made so far indicate that the investigation has moved beyond the initial stage triggered by the viral video.
The Jamui episode once again highlights the importance of ensuring that minors can travel to and from educational institutions without fear of intimidation or harassment. As the investigation progresses, the focus will remain on the evidence, the statements of the victims and witnesses, and the legal proceedings against those found responsible.
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