'Petty incidents happen': Bihar minister's remark on Jamui minor molestation sparks outrage

The incident took place on the evening of September 19, when the girl and her male classmate were allegedly stopped by a group while returning from coaching classes.

Videos circulating on social media show the teenagers surrounded by the group, with the boy being assaulted and the girl allegedly subjected to inappropriate physical contact.

Police have registered a case under provisions including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Three people have been arrested, while authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the incident and identify others involved.

Bihar minister's 'petty incidents' remark

Reacting to Opposition allegations that Bihar was witnessing a return of "Jungle Raj", Minister Shrawon Kumar said that crime cannot be completely eliminated.

"It can't be denied that petty incidents do take place. Crime hasn't ended in the world," he said, while assuring that the government would investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible.

The comments have added to the political controversy surrounding the case, with Opposition leaders questioning the government's handling of women's and children's safety.

Tejashwi Yadav targets Bihar government

Bihar Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav condemned the incident and accused the state government of failing to ensure the safety of women.

"It's a very sad incident. We are ashamed, but the government has no shame or embarrassment," Yadav said, alleging that girls were not safe in Bihar "be it day or night."

Tej Pratap Yadav also demanded concrete action and said his party would consider a hunger strike and protest movement if the government failed to respond.

Rahul Gandhi calls incident 'deeply disturbing'

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condemned the incident, describing the video as "deeply disturbing".

He alleged that the teenagers were stopped, harassed and humiliated, and said the incident reflected what he described as a patriarchal mindset.

Gandhi demanded that those involved be identified and prosecuted under stringent laws, including POCSO.

Three arrested, SIT probes case

Police said the victims were traced after the videos surfaced online.

According to officials, seven people have been identified in connection with the case and three have been arrested. An SIT has been constituted under the supervision of the Jamui SDPO.

The case has also prompted action over the circulation of the videos on social media. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and trace the remaining suspects.

Jamui MP Arun Bharti, meanwhile, called the incident a "cause for concern" but rejected the Opposition's claim that it demonstrated the existence of "Jungle Raj", saying the administration had moved to act after the incident came to light.