Intense protests broke out in Badlapur, Maharashtra, on Tuesday, following allegations of sexual assault involving two three and four-year-old children by a school staff member. The unrest, fueled by accusations of inadequate police response, led to a complete halt of Mumbai’s Central Line local train services for 10 hours. According to the complaint, the alleged assault occurred in the school’s toilet. The school administration has suspended the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant in connection with the incident. The accused was arrested on August 17.
Here are some latest top developments in the case:
– State School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated that the incident reportedly took place between August 13 and 16, with the complaint filed on August 18. He noted that there was a 12-hour delay before the complaint was acknowledged and that the Badlapur school did not have operational CCTV cameras, despite a government mandate requiring their installation. The minister said that he had planned to address the demonstrators after discussing the situation with school management and the NGOs involved. However, he revealed that during the protest, a bottle was thrown, and a lathi charge was initiated, which prevented him from speaking to them. Kesarkar noted that many of the protesters had political motives, which he believed complicated the situation. To address the delay in the school’s response, Kesarkar announced that an administrator would be assigned to handle the matter.
– The disruption led to protests at Badlapur railway station which severely disrupted rail services on Tuesday, leading to the diversion of 12 mail express trains and the partial cancellation of 30 local trains. According to a statement from the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railway, as of Tuesday night, about 12 mail express trains were rerouted, with the Koyna service redirected from Badlapur to Kalyan and then to Karjat via Diva and Panvel. Additionally, approximately 30 local trains were partially canceled between Ambernath and Karjat-Khopoli. He said that the number of affected trains may rise significantly as peak hours approach. However, services from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Ambernath and Kasara are operating normally. To address the disruption, the Railways have requested state transport departments to provide around 100 buses for passenger traveling from Kalyan to Karjat. Currently, 55 buses have been deployed to assist passengers, the CPRO added.
– Protesters damaged school property, including breaking windows and doors. In response, Thane police used tear gas and fired in the air to disperse the crowd. Reports also indicated some instances of mild lathi charges on protesters who were demanding severe punishment for the accused. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray called for a fast-track trial and swift justice, criticizing the government for failing to protect women despite promoting schemes like the Mukhyamantri Ladki Bahin initiative. Thackeray suggested a link between the accused school and BJP leaders. Opposition Leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the police for their slow response, demanding that the trial be concluded within three months and the accused be executed.
– The Maharashtra government has suspended three police officials, including a senior police inspector, for their alleged failure to properly investigate the incident. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on X, that immediate suspension orders have been issued for the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable from Badlapur police station due to their negligence in handling the case.
– Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed the police to file an attempt-to-rape charge against the arrested suspect and expedite the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Kesarkar announced that ‘Vishakha Committees’ will be established in schools to enhance safety. A review meeting earlier this year confirmed the formation of Sakhi Savitri Committees, a three-tier system designed to ensure student safety, involving representatives from schools, districts, and state levels. If it is found that the Badlapur school had not established such a committee, appropriate actions will be taken.
– The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a thorough report from Maharashtra officials regarding the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls in a school washroom in Thane district, as well as the reported delay in filing an FIR. The NHRC took suo motu notice of the case on the same day that thousands of protesters disrupted railway services at Badlapur station and stormed the local school where the incident reportedly took place. The suspect, who was responsible for cleaning the girls’ restrooms, is accused of assaulting the children on August 12-13, 2024. The NHRC has issued notices to both the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Maharashtra, demanding a comprehensive report on the matter within two weeks.
– Priyank Kanungo, Chairperson of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), addressed the issues surrounding the sexual assault case involving two minor girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra. Kanungo criticized the school for its insensitivity and attempts to cover up the incident, as well as the police station for its delay in filing an FIR. He added that the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra has initiated strict measures against the officers involved and that the NCPCR will take severe action against the school administration for their efforts to suppress the case. A team from the NCPCR will be dispatched to investigate the matter further.
(With Agency Inputs)