Nandan Yadav, the key accused in the alleged sexual assault and harassment of a minor girl in Bihar’s Jamui district, was shot in the leg during a police encounter on Tuesday, police sources said.
According to reports, a police team had tracked down Yadav while attempting to arrest him. A second accused, also aged 25, was reportedly present at the spot. The two were allegedly hiding in a bush-covered area when they opened fire as the police approached. Police then retaliated, and Yadav sustained a gunshot wound to his leg while allegedly attempting to flee.
Yadav was subsequently taken for medical treatment. The precise extent of his injury, including whether he suffered a fracture, was not immediately clear.
Police Action Follows Viral Video
The development comes days after videos purportedly showing a minor girl and her male companion being harassed and assaulted by a group of youths in Jamui circulated widely on social media.
The incident reportedly took place on September 19, when the two Class 10 students were returning after visiting a local spot. According to police and reports based on the video footage, the group intercepted the teenagers, questioned them and subjected them to physical and sexual harassment before allowing them to leave.
The videos triggered public outrage and prompted police to identify those allegedly involved. An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Three suspects had been arrested earlier, while police continued efforts to trace others identified from the footage.
Government Promises Strict Action
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said strict action would be taken against those found involved in the incident. He said the government would ensure punishment in accordance with the law and that those responsible for creating and circulating the video would also face action.
Chaudhary, however, said he did not have information about the reported encounter involving Yadav when asked about the development.
Bihar minister Shrawon Kumar said the police had acted swiftly and that those found responsible would not be spared.
The Jamui case has also led to a separate police investigation into the circulation of footage that allegedly revealed the identity of the minor victim. Police have urged people not to share or circulate the video.
