Bihar parties turn child abuse case into political blame game

A case involving alleged harassment of a minor in Bihar's Jamsui district has devolved into a political dispute, with major parties prioritizing partisan attacks over the gravity of the allegations.

The incident, documented in a video that has drawn widespread condemnation for its disturbing nature, should have prompted a unified response focused on victim support and justice. Instead, political parties have seized upon tangential details to launch counterattacks against opponents.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal has attempted to link the accused to Hindu nationalist politics, while the Bharatiya Janata Party has characterized the suspects as affiliated with RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav. The focus on the colored garments worn by the accused—rather than the seriousness of the crime—underscores what observers describe as a troubling insensitivity to child protection issues.

The incident has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who argue that political exploitation of such cases undermines faith in the justice system and diverts attention from systemic failures in child safety. Authorities have stated that investigations into the allegations are ongoing.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Bihar's ruling and opposition parties, which frequently weaponize criminal cases for political advantage rather than pursuing accountability.