Politics
Jamui Assault Shakes Bihar Government as NDA Governance Claims Face Opposition Fire
Reported by Ishita Mukherjee (Staff Writer) · Indian Express - Political Pulse ·
Reported by one source so far
What Happened
A molestation and assault of a Class 10 student and her friend in Jamui has embarrassed the Samrat Choudhary-led government in Bihar. The two students were returning home from a coaching centre when a group, including several teenage boys, stopped them on the hilly outskirts. Videos show the teenagers pleading to go home while the group harasses and films them. Five people are in custody, with two arrested after a police encounter.
## Political Fallou
Opposition leaders have launched a strong attack on the NDA government over the incident. Rahul Gandhi called the video deeply disturbing, while Tejashwi Prasad Yadav criticized ruling leaders for calling the assault a stray case. Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the incident and the state of law enforcement.
## Internal Rift
The ruling alliance faces pressure not just from the opposition, but also from internal remarks and delayed police action. Three senior Janata Dal-United leaders downplayed the incident as stray or isolated, with Union Minister Lalan Singh, JD-U state president Umesh Kushwaha, and minister Shravan Kumar defending the government. Meanwhile, BJP MLA and State Industry Minister Shreyasi Singh criticized local police for acting only after videos went viral, noting a Special Investigation Team has now been formed. Bihar State Women's Commission chairperson Apsara Mishra has also directed local authorities to take strict action.
