‘Moral police decently’: BJP minister on assault on boy, girl

Patna: Bihar Minister and Jamui MLA Shreyasi Singh has drawn criticism over her remarks on the reported assault and harassment of a boy and a Class 10 girl in her constituency, saying that moral policing could be carried out in a more “decent and elegant” manner, India Today reported.

“Moral policing can be done in a more decent and elegant fashion,” the minister told India Today. “You can have an opinion about how somebody chooses to live their life and what they want to do with it. Maybe there is a better way to do it.”

Her comments came after a video showing the two minors being confronted and mistreated by a group of people on a roadside in Jamui went viral, sparking public outrage.

Singh said people may have their own views about how others live, but suggested that such opinions should be expressed differently. Her remarks have since come under scrutiny amid concerns over vigilante-style moral policing and the treatment of minors.

The controversy comes as police continue taking action against those allegedly involved in the incident. Nandan Yadav, identified as the main accused, was arrested following an encounter after reportedly remaining on the run. Another accused, Hare Ram Yadav, was also arrested and sustained a leg injury during the police operation.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of the use of moral policing by local groups and the alleged mistreatment of the two minors.

Congress leader Pawan Khera hit out at Singh in a post on X, questioning her remarks on “decent and elegant moral policing”.

“This is quite something... “So, what is next? ‘Rapes are fine as long as they are 'decent and elegant'– and not violent?’” Khera said