The key accused in the alleged assault of a minor girl in Bihar’s Jamui was shot in the leg during an encounter with police early Tuesday morning, officials said.
Nandan Yadav, who was allegedly seen assaulting and groping the Class 10 student in a video that surfaced over the weekend, was injured when police said he attempted to escape from custody.
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According to the police, Yadav was being taken to the reported crime scene as part of the investigation when he allegedly tried to flee. An encounter followed, during which he sustained a gunshot injury to his leg.
Images released after the incident showed Yadav, with his face covered, being taken to a hospital with his arms supported by security personnel.
Police have arrested five people in connection with the case so far. Two other accused are minors, officials said.
The case came to light after a video recorded on September 19 showed a group of men allegedly assaulting a boy and harassing his female friend. The two students, both studying in Class 10, were reportedly returning from coaching classes when the group approached them.
The video showed the boy being held and assaulted by several men. The girl appeared to try to help him before Yadav allegedly grabbed her and pulled her away.
Police said Yadav was identified as a key accused in the case. The footage showed him allegedly holding the girl by the neck and carrying her away while she struggled. He later put her down and was seen pushing her as the boy attempted to shield her.
The incident triggered police action and a wider investigation into those allegedly involved.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said authorities were identifying everyone involved in the incident and assured that strict action would be taken.
Bihar Minister Shrawon Kumar also said the police had acted quickly and that those found guilty would face action.
The minister described the incident as tragic and said the government was working to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Jamui Police have intensified their efforts against the circulation of the video or the disclosure of information that could identify the minor victim.
Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal warned that revealing the identity of a minor victim is a serious offence. He said action could be taken under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
The police have also been investigating the roles of the other accused and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
With Yadav now injured and receiving treatment, investigators are expected to continue questioning him as part of the case. Police are also working to establish the exact roles of the other accused, including the two minors.
The case has drawn attention after the video of the alleged assault circulated widely. Authorities have urged people not to share the footage or reveal details that could compromise the identity and privacy of the minor victim.
The investigation remains underway, with police pursuing further arrests and gathering evidence related to the incident.
