India
oi-Prakash KL
The two men arrested in connection with the molestation and harassment of two minors in Jamui are suspected of having links to illegal sand mining and liquor smuggling, Indian Express reported citing a police officer.
One of the accused, Nandan Yadav, 25, was shot in the right leg during a police encounter early Tuesday after he allegedly opened fire at a police team searching for him. His alleged associate, Hareram Yadav, also 25, was arrested earlier in the day after police tracked him down near a riverbed outside Pratappur village. Both men are undergoing treatment at a hospital.
In Jamui, police arrested Hareram Yadav and shot Nandan Yadav during an encounter linked to the molestation of two minors; both accused face investigation for alleged ties to illegal sand and liquor smuggling, amidst a political row over Bihar’s ‘Rakshas Raj’.
Deputy Inspector General of Munger Range Rakesh Kumar confirmed the developments to The Indian Express.
Police said their investigation into the duo’s alleged links to the sand and liquor smuggling networks is at an early stage. Their criminal records are also being checked, while officers are trying to establish the source of the country-made pistol recovered from Nandan.
The developments followed a series of raids launched after videos of the alleged incident involving the two school students went viral on social media.
Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal said police received information around 5 am on Tuesday that the two main accused were hiding on a riverbed near Pratappur village. When the police team reached the area, Hareram allegedly tried to flee.
“He fell several times while being chased and sustained injuries, following which he was caught by the police,” Dayal said.
Hareram, during investigation, has claimed that Nandan was hiding among kans grass and bushes. Police then searched the area and allegedly came under fire when they approached Nandan.
An officer said police retaliated in self-defence, during which Nandan was hit in the right leg.
Police said 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 added.
The cops have discovered videos and pictures of Nandan consuming alcohol from his social media accounts, as per another source. Investigators are examining the locations shown in the material, the source said. It has to be noted that alcohol is prohibited in Bihar.
The police action came a day after three juveniles were apprehended in connection with the case.
The victims, a minor boy and girl, had reportedly gone for a scooter ride after tuition to the hilly outskirts of Jamui. They were allegedly stopped and surrounded by a group of youths, who assaulted the two. The girl was allegedly molested, with one of the accused seen in a widely circulated video grabbing her, lifting her and carrying her away.
Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
“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,” an officer said.
Meanwhile, a major political row has erupted in Bihar over the incident, with RJD leaders accusing the state government of failing on law and order and alleging a “Rakshas Raj.
“For a long time, we have been saying that there is a ‘Rakshas Raj’ in Bihar. Crime is thriving here not just because there are criminals, but because the people sitting in power are shielding them. When no action was taken against senior officer Kundan Krishnan in the fake encounter case, officials across Bihar felt emboldened. There is no longer any fear of accountability among officers.
The administration is being run in collusion with the liquor mafia and the land mafia. When mafias dictate governance, crimes against women, children, and the common public are bound to escalate. Is this an isolated incident in Jamui? If you look at the series of recent events, there is no meaningful action,” ANI quoted RJD MP Sudhakar Singh as saying.
