A third purported harassment video has surfaced in Bihar within days, this time from Mandar Hill in Banka, raising fresh questions over women’s safety

METRO TIME Web Desk:  Questions over the safety of women and girls in Bihar have intensified after another purported video of a woman being harassed by a group of youths surfaced online— the third such case to draw attention in the state within days.

The latest case has emerged from Mandar Hill in Banka district, a well-known tourist destination.  The police have registered a case after receiving the video through WhatsApp on September 22 and have launched an investigation.

What has added to the concern is the timing. The Mandar Hill footage came to light shortly after separate incidents in Jamui and Samastipur, where videos allegedly showing girls being harassed by groups of men triggered public outrage and police action.

While the incidents are separate and the Mandar Hill video appears to have been recorded months earlier, the emergence of multiple such videos in quick succession has put renewed attention on the safety of women and girls at public and tourist locations across Bihar.

Mandar Hill video comes to police notice

According to the Banka police, the video was received on September 22 and appears to have been recorded on June 3.

The footage allegedly shows a young woman being harassed by three youths during a visit to Mandar Hill. The police said the woman had gone there with two friends when the accused allegedly stopped them, abused and threatened them and behaved indecently with her.

The police have identified the accused as Abdullah, Nitish Kumar Rai and Vikas Kumar.

Investigators have also alleged that Abdullah obtained Rs 1,500 through an online transfer from one of the woman’s friends before allowing the group to leave.

The police have registered a case at Bounsi police station and said raids are being carried out to locate the accused.

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