Protest Turns Violent After Badlapur Schoolgirls’ Sexual Assault: SIT Formed
Two four-year-old girls studying in pre-primary classes at a prominent co-ed school in Badlapur were allegedly sexually assaulted by a 23-year-old male cleaner on August 12-13. The assaults took place in the girls’ toilet, which reportedly lacked female staff supervision. The accused had been hired on August 1, 2024, on a contractual basis.
The matter came to light when one of the girls complained of pain and disclosed her ordeal to her parents. Shocked parents then discovered that a second girl was also allegedly assaulted. A complaint was filed on Friday night, leading to the alleged perpetrator’s arrest.
Protests erupted over the alleged sexual assault of the two schoolgirls in Badlapur town of Maharashtra’s Thane district, quickly escalating into violence as angry demonstrators vandalized the school and blocked railway tracks on Tuesday, halting train services on the Kalyan-Karjat section of the central railway.
Government Response and Investigation
In response to the escalating situation, the Maharashtra government swiftly formed a special investigation team (SIT) under inspector general Aarti Singh to look into the entire episode. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the state home minister, vowed that action would be taken against any police officers found guilty of dereliction of duty.
“We have decided to try the case in a fast-track court. The Thane police commissioner has been instructed to submit a proposal and hand over the case. The SIT under IPS officer Singh will work diligently to submit the report at the earliest,” Fadnavis stated.
Chief minister Ekanath Shinde emphasized that police officers have been directed to take strict action against the accused. The state government further deputed rural development minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan, along with school education minister Deepak Kesarkar, to visit Badlapur and address the situation.
Protests and Police Response
The parents of the girls initially held a silent protest outside the school in the morning, only to be joined by a sudden influx of demonstrators between 9:30 am and 10 am. The inadequate police deployment exacerbated the situation, leading to escalating tensions.
MNS leader Sangita Chedvankar, who was leading the protest, abruptly left the scene, while BJP MLA Kisan Kathore reportedly stood by as the crowd grew unruly. To add to the turmoil, senior police inspector Shubhda Shitole was recently transferred due to delays in handling the case.
As the protests intensified, the school suspended the principal and three staff members, but citizens demanded a death penalty for the accused cleaner. The Thane police responded by deploying heavy forces, while Government Railway Police (GRP) commissioner Ravindra Shisve attempted to assure protestors that stern action would be taken against the accused. However, the agitators remained steadfast and continued their rail blockade.
Eventually, the police resorted to firing tear gas and lathi-charging the crowd gathered outside the school and at the railway station, further enraging the protesters who retaliated by throwing stones.
Impact on Transportation and Legal Proceedings
Local train services between Badlapur and Karjat were suspended as a result of the protests, with 10 express trains being diverted via the Karjat-Panvel-Thane route. Despite the disruption, local trains between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Ambarnath continued to run as per schedule.
The state government’s decision to expedite the legal process by trying the case in a fast-track court aims to provide swift justice for the victims and ensure accountability for the accused. With the formation of the SIT and the commitment to thorough investigation and prosecution, authorities are striving to address the heinous crime and restore public trust in the justice system.
In conclusion, the incident of sexual assault against young schoolgirls in Badlapur has sparked outrage and prompted a swift government response, leading to protests and calls for justice. As the investigation progresses and legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.