Badlapur Sexual Assault: In Thane district of Maharashtra, the town of Badlapur remained calm with the restoration of internet services, which were suspended in view of the widespread unrest following the sexual assault of two young girls. The incidence of assault by a male school sweeper has caused quite a furor and has mobilized various local and national agencies into action.
Two Kindergarten Girls Report Assault to Parents
This came to light when two kindergarten girls aged three and four reported their ordeal to their parents on August 16. The allegations were that the assaults took place in the school’s toilet on August 13. A 23-year-old sweeper, Akshay Shinde, who was appointed on a contractual basis, was arrested on August 17 following a complaint filed by the victims’ families. NCPCR has announced an enquiry in the case and a team is likely to visit Badlapur.
Thousands Gather at Badlapur Railway Station on August 19
The situation turned grave and on August 19 thousands of locals gathered at the Badlapur railway station, demonstrating and staging a rail roko protest which affected the local train services on the Ambernath-Karjat section for about 10 hours. Agitation disrupted 12 express and mail trains, which were diverted, 30 local trains partially cancelled, and several long-distance trains diverted. The agitation also turned violent with protesters pelting stones at the school and damaging a bus near the railway station. It took police lathicharging to disperse crowds assembled for nine hours.
FIR Lodged Against 300 Protesters
The authorities responded quickly to the protests and the case. An FIR was lodged against 300-odd protesters, and more than 40 persons were arrested by the Thane Police. Further追究, the police are continuing to seek the remaining people identified in the CCTV footage.
The incident has generated a spate of administrative and political responses. The state government of Maharashtra has suspended three police officials, including a senior inspector, for alleged negligence in the investigation. Setting up a special investigation team to ensure that the probe is proper, a Special Investigation Team has been set up. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Thane Police Commissioner to prepare a proposal for a fast-track court trial. CM Eknath Shinde has assured that the case is to be expedited and the guilty brought to book with severe punishment.
Uddhav Thackeray Demands Fast-Track Prosecution Amid Claims of Politicization
Political leaders, too, have commented on the matter. Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded that the case be prosecuted on a fast track, saying the case has been politicized because it involves BJP leaders. Another politician from UBT, Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, condemned the attack and urged the President to implement Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law so that such crimes can be curbed as fast and easily as possible.
National Human Rights Commission Steps In
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo moto cognisance of the case and demanded a detailed report. NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanungo criticised the school authorities, that have allegedly attempted to suppress the case, and the police station for delays in filing of the FIR. Kanungo drew attention to the negligence of not having female staff to supervise the girls’ toilet that could prevent the assault. The tragic case of the two young girls not only sparked outrage locally but also drew national attention toward the situation of child safety and administrative accountability in India.
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