Patna: The Jehanabad police on Sunday lodged an FIR against seven unidentified youths for their alleged involvement in the molestation of a minor girl.
The police swung into action after a video showing a minor girl being harassed by a group of youths went viral on social networking sites on Saturday. The police on Sunday seized a motorbike from Jehanabad reportedly belonging to the offenders.
Taking a note of the incident, inspector-general (Patna zone) Nayyar Hasnain Khan set up a special investigation team (SIT) comprising Jehanabad superintendent of police Manish Kumar and Patna additional SP (operation) Anil Kumar to arrest the perpetrators of the crime at the earliest.
In addition, IG Khan has directed Patna senior superintendent of police Manu Maharaaj to assist the Jehanabad police in providing technical assistance in the investigation. "We are also seeking the help of other agencies to crack the case," Khan said.
He said the SIT has been assigned to ascertain the identity of the owner of the motorbike, which was seized from Jehanabad. "The police will also initiate legal action against the admin of the social networking site, which uploaded the video showing the face of the victim," the IG added.
Jehanabad SP Manish has sought the help of village chaukidars (night guards) to ascertain the identity of the accused. He has also solicited cooperation of residents in ascertaining the identity of the victim as well as the offenders.
The SP clarified that the FIR was lodged with the Jehanabad town police station on the statement of a sub-inspector of police Shyam Sundar Singh. The video showed six youths molesting the girl and trying to undress her, the seventh one was seen making the video of their act, he said.
Manish said raids were underway to nab the suspects. Sources said that the police have detained two suspects for interrogation in the case. The seized motorbike had been registered with the Jehanabad district transport office.
An investigating officer said a few of the offenders appeared to be minors.
