Mandar Hill viral video sparks police investigation after alleged harassment incident in Bihar. (Img: Pinterest)
Patna: A fresh controversy has erupted in Bihar after a disturbing video allegedly showing a woman being harassed at the famous Mandar Hill tourist and pilgrimage site in Banka district surfaced online. The footage has sparked public anger and raised new questions about safety at crowded tourist destinations across the state.
The Bounsi police have registered an FIR against unidentified accused after receiving the video through their social media monitoring system. Officials said the location shown in the viral clip was verified as Mandar Hill, a major religious and tourist attraction in Banka.
The case has gained widespread attention as it came shortly after similar alleged harassment incidents reported in Jamui and Samastipur, where videos circulated on social media and led to police action. The repeated incidents have triggered discussions around women’s safety, digital crime and the misuse of mobile cameras to record and spread disturbing content.
According to preliminary investigation, the video appears to show a group of youths surrounding a woman and allegedly engaging in inappropriate behaviour. The footage also appears to show physical intimidation, with some individuals allegedly attempting to assault the woman using footwear and carrying a stick.
Police officials said the viral clip contains a date stamp of September 3, but investigators are examining the exact timeline of the incident. Authorities are working to establish when the video was recorded and identify all individuals visible in the footage.
The matter came to the attention of Bounsi police after the video was received through WhatsApp on September 22. Following verification, a police team visited Mandar Hill and confirmed that the location matched the place shown in the footage.
Police have registered a case on their own initiative under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Information Technology Act. The viral video has been taken as crucial evidence as investigators begin identifying the accused.
Officials are questioning local residents, shopkeepers and people familiar with the tourist spot to gather information about the incident. Raids and further investigative steps are expected after the identification of the accused.
Police are also examining the role of those who circulated the video online, especially if the identity of the woman was revealed through digital sharing. Authorities are looking into possible violations related to privacy and online misuse.
Mandar Hill, located in Banka district, is among Bihar’s well-known tourist and religious destinations. The alleged incident has raised concerns about security arrangements at public places where large numbers of visitors gather.
The latest case has intensified the debate over whether tourist locations have adequate monitoring systems, especially during peak visitor hours.
The issue has also attracted political attention, with opposition parties questioning the law and order situation in Bihar following a series of alleged harassment cases.
Before the Banka incident, Bihar witnessed similar controversies after videos linked to alleged harassment cases in Jamui and Samastipur surfaced online.
In Jamui, police took action after a video allegedly showed a group of men harassing a teenage girl and her male friend. Several accused were arrested during the investigation.
In Samastipur, another viral video allegedly showed a group of people surrounding and harassing a girl. Police arrested four accused and registered cases under relevant legal provisions, including laws related to protection of minors.
The three incidents within a short period have increased public concerns about women’s security, social media misuse and the need for stronger action against those recording or sharing such videos.
