Maharashtra Police have arrested over 40 individuals and registered FIRs against 300 people in connection with a massive protest over the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur.
The arrests were made massive protests led to stone-pelting, disruption of train services, and a lathi-charge by the police on Tuesday.
The arrested individuals will be presented in court on Wednesday. In response to the unrest, Maharashtra Police have increased security at the railway station, deploying personnel to prevent a recurrence of the violence, ANI reported.
Authorities have shut down internet services in Badlapur, and shops have been ordered to remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Manoj Patil, DCP of the Railway Police, stated, “The situation is now under control. Train services have resumed, and no additional restrictions have been imposed. Internet services will remain suspended for a few days to prevent the spread of rumors.”
On Tuesday, police used lathi-charge to disperse protesters who had gathered at Badlapur railway station and blocked the railway tracks, disrupting local train services. The blockade led to the diversion of 12 mail express trains and the partial cancellation of 30 local trains. Train services resumed late at night, after a 10-hour disruption, once the protesters were dispersed.
GRP Commissioner Ravindra Shisve confirmed, “The tracks have been cleared, and a report will be sent to railway operations to ensure that services can fully resume.”
The protests erupted following the arrest of a school attendant on August 17, accused of sexually assaulting two fourth-grade girls in Badlapur.
Earlier on Tuesday, police also resorted to tear gas to control angry residents who began pelting stones at the school where the incident occurred.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the alleged assault and announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the case. Fadnavis also directed the Thane Police Commissioner to immediately suspend the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable of Badlapur police station for their delayed response in the initial stages of the incident.
In a social media post on X, Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis stated, “IG rank officer IPS Arti Singh has been appointed to lead the inquiry. A charge sheet will be filed immediately, and the case will be fast-tracked in court. Our police department is committed to ensuring that those responsible for such barbaric acts are swiftly brought to justice.”
(With inputs from ANI)
