‘Beyond disgusting’: Ayesha Khan slams moral policing after Jamui minor girl assault

Actor Ayesha Khan Tuesday strongly criticised the moral policing of a minor girl who was allegedly assaulted and harassed in Bihar’s Jamui district, calling reactions that questioned the teenager’s behaviour “pathetic and beyond disgusting”.

Reacting to the case on social media, Khan objected to comments that sought to scrutinise why the girl was at the location or with a male friend instead of focusing on the alleged actions of those who attacked the teenagers and filmed the incident.

“This is pathetic and beyond disgusting,” Khan wrote, arguing that questions about the girl’s presence at the spot amounted to victim-blaming.

‘Question the perpetrators’

Khan said the debate surrounding the case should focus on those accused of attacking and harassing the teenagers rather than the conduct of the minor girl. She questioned why a victim was being asked to justify her movements while the actions of the alleged perpetrators were not receiving the same scrutiny.

Her comments came after videos linked to the September 19 incident circulated widely on social media and triggered outrage. The case involved two Class 10 students, a boy and a girl, who were allegedly intercepted and assaulted in Jamui district.

Police have said the boy was beaten while the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted. Since both are minors, their identities are protected under law.

The circulation of videos purportedly showing parts of the incident also prompted police action against those accused of recording and disseminating the material.

Arrests in Jamui case

Jamui Police constituted a Special Investigation Team to investigate the case and identify those allegedly involved. Police have made multiple arrests in connection with the assault as well as the circulation of the videos.

Nandan Yadav, an accused allegedly seen masked in one of the videos, was arrested following a police operation Tuesday. Police said he suffered a bullet injury in the leg during the operation after allegedly attempting to flee and attacking the team. Another accused, Hari Ram Yadav, was also arrested.

Police had earlier detained three suspects who were found to be juveniles. Separate arrests were made in connection with the alleged circulation of videos of the incident.

Investigators have said they are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend others allegedly involved in the case.

Debate over victim-blaming

Khan’s intervention came amid criticism of social-media comments that appeared to question the minor girl’s presence with a boy rather than focusing on the alleged assault.

The actor said such reactions reflected a wider tendency to police women and girls instead of holding alleged perpetrators accountable.

The Jamui case has generated widespread attention since footage surfaced online, with calls for swift action against those involved as well as those responsible for circulating material involving a minor.

Authorities have said the investigation is continuing and that action will be taken against all those found involved. Allegations against the accused are subject to investigation and adjudication.