Days after the Badlapur sexual assault incident, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed deep concern on Wednesday, stating that it “forces us to think where are we heading as a society”.
He highlighted the need for all governments and political parties to come together and deliberate on measures to ensure a safer environment for women.
On Tuesday, large protests erupted in Badlapur town, located in Thane district, after a crowd blocked railway tracks and vandalised a school. The unrest followed last week’s disturbing incident where two kindergarten girls were sexually assaulted by a school attendant.
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In a post on X, Gandhi said, “After West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the shameful crimes against daughters in Maharashtra also force us to think where are we heading as a society? After the crime against two innocents in Badlapur, the first step to give them justice was not taken until the public came out on the streets demanding justice.”
“Will we now have to protest to even register an FIR? Why has it become so difficult for victims to even go to the police station?” the former Congress chief said.
He pointed out the tendency to prioritise concealing crimes over delivering justice, noting that women and marginalized communities are often the most affected by this issue.
“Not filing an FIR not only discourages the victims but also encourages the criminals. All governments, citizens and political parties will have to seriously brainstorm on what steps should be taken to provide a safe environment for women in the society,” Gandhi added.
The Congress leader asserted that justice is a fundamental right for every citizen and should not be subject to the “discretion of the police and administration.”
Protesters are demanding harsh penalties for the accused, who was taken into custody on August 17. Opposition parties have alleged that the parents of the girls were left waiting for 11 hours at the Badlapur police station before their complaints were acknowledged.