Patna, Aug 27: In the backdrop of the horrific case in Bihar's Bhojpur, where a woman was paraded naked, a similar gruesome incident has been reported from Saharsa where a schoolgirl was groped and molested by 7 men.

The first arrest in the case came on Monday, two days after the video of the assault was shared on social media. Saharsa Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar told reporters that one policeman received the video on his WhatsApp and began investigation into the case.

An alert was sounded in all districts to nab the seven men spotted in the video at the earliest. The site where the crime was committed was also identified based on the clip.

The accused, who has been arrested, was nabbed by Sadar police station. He has given leads about six of his accomplices in the crime. A search operation has been launched to nab them.

Saharsa SP said they've located the girl who was molested. After speaking to her, the police will file the FIR. Even if the victim decides not to pursue the case, the police will take suo moto action based on the video.

In the video of the molestation, the girl can be seen riding a bicycle when the miscreants blocked her path. One among the men attempted to save her. However, he was pounded by others. They subsequently snatched the victim's dupatta and groped her.

The Bihar government has been facing flak for the increase in crime against women in the state. As per the government records, a sharp spurt was seen in sexual assault cases between January to May this year. While 74 cases of rape were registered in January, the numbers rose to 184 in May.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also been lambasted by the Opposition after the Muzaffarpur shelter home rape case was brought to light. 34 inmates in the shelter home allege they were sexually assaulted. The case also led to the resignation of State Women and Child Development Minister Manju Verma, after links of her husband with key accused Brijesh Thakur were uncovered.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2018 12:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).