Three minors have been arrested in connection with the assault of a teenage girl and her male friend in India's Bihar state. The incident, which occurred on 19 September in Jamui district, was captured in a video that has since gone viral, sparking widespread outrage.
The footage shows the two school students, both minors, being surrounded. The boy is seen being slapped and pulled, while the girl is touched inappropriately and carried away by a man. Police stated the incident took place around 19:00 local time on Saturday, but only came to light on Monday after the video circulated online.
Jamui police chief Bishwajeet Dayal confirmed that officers began investigating after the video went viral, tracing the pair using a vehicle registration number visible in the footage. Statements were recorded, and a case was registered under India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso) and sections of India's criminal code.
Senior police officer KS Anupam stated that three minors have been arrested, and investigators have identified the involvement of two other individuals. A special investigation team has been formed to apprehend the remaining suspects. Police have also initiated action against 32 social media accounts accused of circulating footage where the teenagers could be identified.
The incident has prompted anger and renewed debate about the safety of women and girls in Bihar. Bihar minister Shravan Kumar and Umesh Kushwaha of the governing Janata Dal (United) faced criticism for their initial remarks on the incident, with Kushwaha later claiming his comments were misrepresented.