Purnia MP Pappu Yadav has hit out at the Bihar government and police over the harassment and molestation of a minor girl in Jamui, questioning why people accused of attacking women and girls continue to “roam freely”. He also repeated his earlier controversial remarks on harassment faced by women in politics, saying the statement was based on what several women had told him.
“I made a statement that girls face harassment if they pursue their career in politics. It became a huge controversy. But those were not my words. It is something which many girls told me,” he said.
He said that the controversy reflected the “mindset” of some political leaders towards women. “This is the mindset of our leaders,” Yadav said. He added, “As far as police is concerned, it is busy in collecting money from the liquor and sand mafias to give it to those who are in power. They don’t care about filing FIRs in these cases.”
His earlier comments had drawn criticism from BJP legislators, who demanded an apology, while a complaint seeking an FIR was also filed over the remarks.
Meanwhile, Yadav said he would visit Jamui to meet the survivor’s family and demanded swift action against those accused in the case.
Referring to the incident and other cases of crimes against women, he questioned the absence of fear among offenders. “Why would people fear committing such crimes when their elected representatives do the same thing and roam freely?” Yadav said.
He also questioned security arrangements in Delhi, asking why police personnel were not deployed at places such as temples and parks, and said officials responsible for security at the time of any crime should face action.
He demanded that the police file a chargesheet within three months and ensure punishment for those responsible.
In a strong reaction, he asked why encounters are carried out in some cases while alleged perpetrators of crimes against innocent people are not dealt with similarly.
Jamui Mob Molestation Horror
The remarks came after a video from Jamui showing two Class 10 students being harassed and assaulted by a group of youths went viral on social media. The incident took place on September 19, when the two minors were returning after attending coaching classes and had gone to the Marwa/Madwa hill area. Police said the group intercepted them and subjected them to inappropriate behaviour.
Police have registered an FIR under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Around seven people have been identified from the footage and three have been arrested, while raids are underway to trace the others. A Special Investigation Team headed by Jamui SDPO Deepti Monali has also been formed.