Jamui Minor Harassment Case Fuels Political Clash Between RJD, BJP and Allies

The alleged harassment of a minor girl in Bihar's Jamui district has triggered a political slugfest, with opposition leaders attacking the NDA government over law and order, while ruling coalition leaders highlighted the arrests and accused the opposition of politicising the incident.

The incident, which took place on September 19 and came to light on Monday, involved a minor girl and a boy, reportedly students at the same coaching centre, who were allegedly harassed by a group on a road. Videos purportedly showing the girl being groped circulated on social media. Police have arrested five people in connection with the case. Two accused were apprehended on Tuesday following an encounter in which both sustained injuries, an official said.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the incident, questioning the government's ability to ensure women's safety. Earlier, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had described the episode as deeply disturbing and sought action under the POCSO Act.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav demanded Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary's resignation, saying the incident reflected a collapse of law and order. He also criticised remarks describing the episode as a “stray” incident.

Union ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan' and Jitan Ram Manjhi hit back, recalling the law-and-order situation during the RJD's tenure. Lalan said the government would ensure the culprits were brought to justice, while Manjhi accused Yadav of protecting members of his caste. Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor also condemned the incident and criticised the “stray” remark, but questioned the RJD's record on law and order.

BJP leader and Jamui MLA Shreyasi Singh said the incident was painful and welcomed the arrests. However, her remark that “moral policing” could be done “decently” drew criticism from the Congress, which cited it as evidence of a “patriarchal mindset”.

The BJP also shared a social media profile of the main accused, linking him to RJD president Lalu Prasad. Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya responded by alleging that BJP leaders had supported accused persons in other high-profile sexual assault cases.