Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, has called for the withdrawal of cases against those who protested in Badlapur following the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls at a local school. The demand for the withdrawal of cases was made during a news conference where Thackeray also addressed the upcoming August 24 ‘Maharashtra Bandh’ organized by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) to protest against “perversion.” Thackeray urged people from all castes and religions to participate in the bandh, emphasizing the importance of unity in fighting against such atrocities.
Thackeray emphasized the need for the bandh to be strictly followed until 2 pm, ensuring that emergency services remain operational during the protest. He criticized the government led by Eknath Shinde for continuing to make arrests in connection with the Badlapur protest, stating that the cases against the protesters must be withdrawn to uphold their right to peaceful protest.
In response to Chief Minister Shinde’s claims that the protest in Badlapur was politically motivated and led by outsiders, Thackeray refuted these allegations. He clarified that the bandh organized by MVA on August 24 was aimed at raising awareness about the importance of women’s safety and holding the government accountable for ensuring their security. Thackeray criticized the government’s response to the Badlapur sexual assault case, pointing out delays in registering FIRs and insensitivity towards the victims and their families.
The protest in Badlapur gained momentum after thousands of people took to the streets and even blocked railway tracks to demand justice for the victims of sexual assault. The protest turned violent, resulting in injuries to several police personnel and arrests of individuals involved in the unrest. The accused perpetrator was arrested and remanded to police custody pending further investigation.
Thackeray questioned the effectiveness of government schemes like the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in ensuring women’s safety when such incidents of sexual abuse continue to occur. He criticized the government for prioritizing political agendas over addressing the real issues affecting women’s security and well-being.
Overall, Uddhav Thackeray’s call for the withdrawal of cases against protesters in Badlapur highlights the need for justice and accountability in cases of sexual assault. By urging people to participate in the ‘Maharashtra Bandh’ and stand against perversion, Thackeray aims to unite communities in the fight against such heinous crimes and demand better protection for women in society.
