Patna, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of an alleged incident involving the harassment, molestation and assault of a young woman at Mandar Parvat tourist site in Bihar’s Banka district and directed the Bihar Police to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days.
The action followed media reports and a video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a group of men surrounding and harassing the woman. The video was reportedly edited in an objectionable manner before being circulated online.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Bihar Director General of Police, calling for a time-bound investigation, identification and arrest of those allegedly involved and strict action under relevant laws.
The Commission has also called for steps to stop further circulation of the video and sought necessary security, medical, legal and psychological support for the woman and her family. It stressed that the safety, dignity and privacy of women and girls must be protected.
Meanwhile, Banka Police have detained three youths in connection with the alleged incident and are questioning them.
According to police, the woman had visited Mandar Parvat with two friends when a group of youths allegedly accosted and harassed them. Police also alleged that the youths forced her to transfer Rs 1,500 through PhonePe before allowing her and her friends to leave.
Banka Superintendent of Police Amitesh Kumar said the video came to the notice of Bounsi police station on September 22. After examining the footage, police suspected that the incident had taken place at Mandar Parvat. A police team subsequently visited Mandar Hill to verify the location, following which an FIR was registered against unidentified persons.
Police later identified three youths allegedly seen in the video. All three, residents of the Barahat police station area, were taken into custody for questioning, the SP said.
The investigation is continuing, with police examining the video and other available evidence to establish the circumstances and determine the roles of those allegedly involved.
The NCW has also sought action under the POCSO Act if the victim is found to be a minor, along with applicable provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act.
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