Jamui molestation accused shot in leg during police encounter; smuggling links probed

The prime accused in the alleged molestation and harassment of two minors in Bihar's Jamui district was shot in the leg during an encounter with police in the early hours of Tuesday, officials said. Nandan Yadav, 25, was apprehended after a brief exchange of fire near the riverbed outside Pratappur village.

His accomplice, Hareram Yadav, also 25, was injured in a separate operation hours earlier the same morning. Both men are receiving treatment at a hospital.

According to Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal, police had been conducting raids since Monday after videos of the incident circulated widely on social media. Acting on a tip-off around 5 am on Tuesday that the two main accused were hiding at the riverbed, a raiding team cordoned off the area. Hareram allegedly tried to flee, fell several times during the chase and was caught. He identified himself as a resident of Pratappur.

During questioning, Hareram told investigators that Nandan had fled towards the river and was hiding in a patch of kans grass and bushes. When police approached the spot, Nandan allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation in self-defence. He sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg and was taken into custody.

Police said Nandan works as a tractor driver in the area and a country-made pistol was recovered from him. "We are investigating its source and procurement and whether it was used in any other crime. As per the preliminary probe, the two accused appear to have links to illegal sand and liquor smuggling. We are checking their criminal records, if any," an officer said.

A source said videos and photographs purportedly showing Nandan consuming liquor were found on his social media accounts. Police are examining the locations shown in the material, as alcohol is prohibited in Bihar and the activity could attract relevant charges.

Nandan has been identified as the man seen in one of the videos with his face covered, grabbing the girl, lifting her and running away while touching her inappropriately.

The development came a day after police apprehended three juveniles in connection with the incident. The victims, a boy and a girl who are both school students, had gone for a scooter ride after tuition to the hilly outskirts of Jamui, where they were allegedly surrounded by these individuals. The two were assaulted, and the girl was allegedly molested.

The victims remain traumatised, officials said, making extended questioning difficult. "We are trying to ascertain the detailed information from all sources and file the chargesheet at the earliest. We will try our best to ensure a speedy trial," the officer said.