Outrage in India Over Viral Video of Sexual Assault in Bihar
Public outrage in India follows a viral video showing a teenage girl sexually assaulted and her friend beaten in Bihar. Thousands protested amid political backlash.
Massive public outrage erupted in India after a video surfaced showing a teenage girl being sexually assaulted and her male companion beaten by a group of men in the state of Bihar. Thousands took to the streets to protest against sexual violence and police inaction.
The Incident and Arrests
The two high school students, both minors, were intercepted by a group of youths in the Jamui district on September 19. Viral video footage shows the couple surrounded, pleading repeatedly to be allowed to leave. According to preliminary reports, the attackers targeted the pair under the suspicion of "behaving inappropriately."
In the disturbing clips, the young man is seen being slapped and grabbed by the collar, while the girl is inappropriately touched. Another segment shows her being carried away by a man as her companion attempts to intervene. Three suspects, also minors, have been arrested in connection with the assault. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to apprehend the remaining suspects.
"Such sporadic incidents continue to occur, but the government is monitoring the situation closely and the perpetrators will face strict action," stated Bihar cabinet minister Shravan Kumar.
Political Backlash and Official Response
The distressing footage has reignited a broader debate regarding the safety of women and girls in Bihar, as well as raising serious questions regarding the state administration's response. Public anger intensified following dismissive remarks from local officials.
Shravan Kumar defended the administration by stating that the world is not entirely free of crime. Meanwhile, Umesh Kushwaha of the ruling Janata Dal (United) party also faced heavy criticism after referring to the assault as an "isolated incident" and comparing the current government's record to that of the previous RJD administration. Kushwaha later claimed his remarks were distorted.
According to police, the incident took place around 7:00 PM on a Saturday but only came to light on Monday after the video went viral. The victims, both tenth-grade students attending the same coaching institute, had gone to the area to take photographs after classes.
Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal stated that neither victim initially reported the crime. Law enforcement initiated an investigation only after the footage spread widely online, eventually tracing the victims via a vehicle license plate visible in the video.
