Daijiworld Media Network - Wayanad

Wayanad (Kerala), Sep 22: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday condemned the alleged molestation of a minor girl student in Bihar’s Jamui district, saying the Centre and state governments must take concrete steps to ensure the safety of women amid rising crimes against them.

Speaking to reporters in Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi said it was “horrible” that crimes against women were continuing to increase and that women were increasingly facing violence and insecurity.

“It’s horrible, and crimes against women are increasing. Crimes against women are just increasing. It’s become unsafe for women. It was always unsafe; it has just become more and more increasingly violent towards women,” she said.

She said there was little purpose in announcing major schemes and programmes if women could not feel safe while moving around on the streets.

“I think there’s no point talking about big schemes and programmes if we can’t even ensure the safety of women on our streets. So it’s really something that all of us need to think about. Wherever there are state governments, and especially the central government, they need to think about how they are going to ensure that women feel safe,” she said.

Her remarks came against the backdrop of the Jamui molestation case, which has triggered widespread concern in Bihar.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred late on Saturday evening in the Madwa Pahar area of Jamui district. A minor girl student was allegedly stopped and molested by a group of youths while she was returning from the area. A male student who was accompanying her was also allegedly assaulted.

The incident came to light after a video of the alleged assault began circulating on social media on Sunday evening. Following this, the district administration contacted the victim’s family and registered a case.

Jamui police on Tuesday arrested Nandan Yadav, identified as the alleged prime accused in the molestation and harassment of the minor girl. He was arrested following a police encounter during which he sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.

Yadav was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Investigators identified him with the help of the video circulated on social media. Police said Yadav was the youth seen wearing a red gamchha in the footage.

Police have also arrested Ramashish Chaudhary for allegedly circulating the video online. With these arrests, five people have so far been taken into custody in connection with the case, including three juveniles.

Meanwhile, police said FIRs have been registered against operators of 120 social media profiles across various platforms over alleged violations linked to the circulation of the video.

According to police, the individuals named in the FIRs allegedly shared the video or disclosed information that could reveal the identity of the minor victim.