Bihar Minister and Jamui MLA Shreyasi Singh has come under criticism after her remarks about “moral policing” in connection with the alleged harassment and assault of two minors in Jamui triggered a political row.The controversy began after a video showing a group of people allegedly confronting and harassing a teenage boy and girl surfaced on social media. The incident, which reportedly took place on September 19, has led to arrests, the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and wider questions about the safety of minors in public spaces.Key HighlightsShreyasi Singh’s remarks about “decent and elegant” moral policing sparked controversy.The comments came after a viral video showed the alleged harassment of two minors in Jamui.Police have arrested three people in connection with the case.An SIT has been formed to investigate the incident.Police said around seven people have been identified from the video.The case has been registered under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of law.Authorities have also moved against social media accounts circulating footage that could identify the minor victims.What Happened in Jamui?According to police and reports, the incident took place on the evening of September 19 in Jamui. The two teenagers, a boy and a girl, were reportedly returning after coaching and had visited an area near Mawara Hill.A group allegedly stopped and confronted them. Videos of the incident later surfaced online, showing the teenagers being surrounded and subjected to harassment. Police subsequently took suo motu cognisance after the footage began circulating.The case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act along with other applicable provisions. Police have identified several people allegedly involved in the incident and arrested three suspects, while efforts to locate others are continuing.What Did Shreyasi Singh Say?While commenting on the incident, Shreyasi Singh condemned the way the two minors were allegedly treated. However, during an interview, she also said that “moral policing can be done in a more decent and elegant fashion”.The statement quickly drew criticism because of the nature of the incident and the fact that the people involved were minors. Her comment became a separate point of discussion alongside the police investigation into the alleged harassment.Singh also clarified the context of her statement. She said that people may have opinions about how others live or behave, but stressed that the manner in which the boy and girl were confronted and treated was unacceptable.Singh Condemns the Treatment of the MinorsSingh has also spoken against using “moral policing” as a justification for such behaviour.She said the treatment of the teenagers could not be accepted and backed the action taken by the administration after the incident came to light. Earlier reports also quoted her as saying that the incident should send a message that such acts would not be tolerated.Her comments have nevertheless become part of the political controversy surrounding the case, with opposition leaders questioning the government's handling of women's and children's safety in Bihar.Police Investigation UnderwayThe police investigation has expanded since the video became public.An SIT headed by a senior police officer has been constituted to investigate the incident. Police said around seven people could be identified from the footage, while three had been arrested.Authorities have also started efforts to remove the videos from social media platforms. Police have warned against sharing footage that reveals the identity of the minor victims.According to reports, an FIR has also been registered against social media profile holders involved in circulating footage that identified one of the minor victims. This has added a cybercrime investigation to the wider case.Why Has the Remark Sparked a Political Row?The controversy over Singh’s statement comes amid growing political debate over the Jamui incident and the broader issue of law and order in Bihar.Opposition parties have criticised the state government over the incident and raised questions about the safety of women and minors. The ruling side has pointed to the police response, including arrests and the formation of the SIT.The controversy therefore involves two separate issues: the criminal investigation into the alleged harassment of the minors and the political reaction to comments made by public representatives.For now, the police investigation remains underway, and further action against those allegedly involved will depend on the findings of the authorities and the legal process.
