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Politics
Bihar CM’s comment on molestation videos sparks fresh controversy
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 08 Oct 2026, 02:01 PM
👁 9
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s claim that the media could locate only five molestation videos has reignited criticism, with activists demanding a thorough investigation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faced renewed backlash after stating that the media could identify merely five videos depicting sexual assault. The remark, made during a press interaction, was interpreted by many as downplaying the scale of the problem and prompted immediate condemnation from women’s rights groups and opposition parties.
Opposition leaders accused the CM of trivialising the issue, urging the state administration to launch a comprehensive probe into all alleged video evidence. They also called for stricter enforcement of existing laws to curb the circulation of such content online.
The state’s Women and Child Development Department said it was reviewing the matter and would cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with criticism, demanding transparency and accountability from the government.
Legal experts highlighted that the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, mandates stringent penalties for the creation and distribution of sexual assault videos. They warned that any perceived laxity could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
As the controversy unfolds, the Bihar government has not issued a detailed response, leaving the public and media to await further clarification on the steps it intends to take to address the concerns raised.
Opposition leaders accused the CM of trivialising the issue, urging the state administration to launch a comprehensive probe into all alleged video evidence. They also called for stricter enforcement of existing laws to curb the circulation of such content online.
The state’s Women and Child Development Department said it was reviewing the matter and would cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, social media users flooded platforms with criticism, demanding transparency and accountability from the government.
Legal experts highlighted that the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, mandates stringent penalties for the creation and distribution of sexual assault videos. They warned that any perceived laxity could undermine public confidence in the justice system.
As the controversy unfolds, the Bihar government has not issued a detailed response, leaving the public and media to await further clarification on the steps it intends to take to address the concerns raised.