Mamata Banerjee angry over Jamui incident, targets BJP
Kolkata/Patna: The matter has become politically heated after a video of alleged harassment of a minor boy and girl surfaced in Jamui district of Bihar. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given a sharp reaction to the incident. Describing it as a heart-wrenching incident, he targeted BJP. Mamata Banerjee alleged that in the states where BJP is in power, it becomes an instrument of injustice. This is his political allegation, while Bihar Police has intensified the investigation in the case and arrested three accused.
After the video of the incident in Jamui went viral on social media, it started being discussed across the country. According to the police, the incident occurred on the evening of September 19. Both the victim boy and girl are minors and study in the same coaching institute. Both were returning on scooty. Meanwhile, some people stopped him on the way and allegedly assaulted and misbehaved with him. Some videos of the incident later went viral on social media.
After the video surfaced, people demanded strict action against the accused. After the matter reached the police, the victims were identified and the investigation began. According to Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal, initially no complaint was lodged with the police by the victims after the incident. After the video went viral on social media, the police traced the two with the help of the vehicle’s registration number and other information.
The police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The SIT is headed by a sub-divisional police officer level officer. On the basis of the viral video, several people involved in the incident have been identified. Three accused have been arrested, while the search for other suspects is ongoing.
Action has been taken in the case under POCSO Act and relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code. The police have proceeded with the investigation based on the identification of the people seen in the viral video on social media. Officials say that the role of all the people involved in the incident is being investigated and action is on to nab other accused.
Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee reacted to the incident through social media and called it extremely disturbing. Expressing condolences to the victims, he linked the matter to the safety of women and children. Also made political comments regarding BJP ruled states. After his statement, political allegations and counter-allegations regarding the incident in Bihar have also intensified.
Not only Mamata Banerjee, but other opposition leaders have also reacted to the incident. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi also termed the incident as serious and demanded action. On the other hand, the ruling Janata Dal United defended the action of the state government and the police. JDU state president Umesh Singh Kushwaha, in response to the opposition’s criticism, presented his government’s stand regarding the law and order situation in Bihar.
The National Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. The Commission has asked the Director General of Police of Bihar to ensure action in the matter and provide the report. Along with this, emphasis has also been laid on stopping the spread of videos revealing the identity of the victims.
Since the matter is related to minors, caution is also necessary regarding sharing videos on social media. Dissemination of material that reveals the identity of a minor victim can create legal problems. Bihar Police has also initiated action against social media accounts spreading such content. According to the report, notices have been sent to many social media accounts.
The alleged assault and indecent behavior seen in the viral video has raised questions about the safety of teenagers and women in public places. Police say that the accused are being identified on the basis of video and other available evidence. Protecting the victims and keeping their identities confidential is also an important part of the investigation.
After the Jamui incident, political rhetoric has intensified in Bihar. Opposition parties are raising questions on the state government by linking the incident to law and order and women’s safety, while the ruling party is citing the arrests made by the police and formation of SIT. Regardless of these political claims, the final determination of charges and responsibility in a criminal case will be based on the investigation and judicial process.
At present, the priority of the police is to identify and arrest the remaining people involved in the incident. After three arrests and formation of SIT, the investigation is progressing. The controversy that started due to the viral video has now become a political issue outside Bihar also. Following the reactions of opposition leaders including Mamata Banerjee, the case has sparked widespread debate on women’s safety, safety of minors and law and order.