Before Nandan Yadav, the key accused in the alleged molestation and harassment of two minors in Jamui, was shot in the leg during an encounter with police early Tuesday, officials had received a tip-off about his location, and his accomplice had further pinpointed where he was.

Police have identified Nandan as the man seen in one of the videos with his face covered, grabbing the girl, lifting her and running away while touching her inappropriately.

His accomplice, Hareram Yadav, was also injured hours earlier on Tuesday morning, officials said. Both men, aged 25, are undergoing treatment at a hospital. Deputy Inspector General of Munger Range Rakesh Kumar confirmed the developments to .

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According to Jamui police, teams had been conducting raids since Monday after videos of the incident involving the minor boy and girl circulated widely on social media.

Jamui Superintendent of Police Vishwajeet Dayal said police received information around 5 am on Tuesday that the two main accused were hiding at the riverbed outside Pratappur village. “When the raiding team cordoned off the area, the accused tried to flee after seeing the police. He fell several times while being chased and sustained injuries, following which he was caught by the police,” Dayal said. The man identified himself as Hareram Yadav of Pratappur.

During questioning, Hareram allegedly told investigators that Nandan had fled towards the river and was hiding in a patch of kans grass and bushes. Police then cordoned off the area and launched a search, during which Nandan allegedly opened fire when the team approached. “The police retaliated in self-defence, during which the accused suffered a gunshot injury to his right leg,” an officer said.

Police said Nandan works as a tractor driver in the area and that a country-made pistol was recovered from him. “We are investigating its source and procurement and whether it was used in any other crime. As per the preliminary probe, the two accused appear to have links to illegal sand and liquor smuggling. We are checking their criminal records, if any,” an officer said.

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A source said videos and photographs purportedly showing Nandan consuming liquor were also found on his social media accounts. Police are examining the locations shown in the material, the source said, as alcohol is prohibited in Bihar and the activity could attract relevant charges.

The development came a day after police apprehended three juveniles in connection with the incident. The victims, a boy and a girl who are both school students, had gone for a scooter ride after tuition to the hilly outskirts of Jamui, where they were allegedly surrounded by these individuals. The two were assaulted, and the girl was allegedly molested.

The victims remain traumatised, officials said, making extended questioning difficult. “We are trying to ascertain the detailed information from all sources and file the chargesheet at the earliest. We will try our best to ensure a speedy trial,” the officer said.