In the latest developments surrounding the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance has called for a 'Maharashtra bandh' on August 24 to protest the incident. The decision was taken during an MVA allies meeting in Mumbai, which was attended by leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP) headed by Sharad Pawar
The Thane protests, which erupted following the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls by a school staff member, have escalated significantly. The incident has sparked widespread anger, leading to violent demonstrations, especially in the Badlapur area, disrupting public life and halting train services. Despite arrests and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), public dissatisfaction remains high.
Badlapur Sexual Abuse Case Live Updates
♦ MVA Calls for Maharashtra Bandh, Protests Intensify
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, stated,
"The people of Maharashtra are agitated and FIRs have been registered against those who protested. We have decided that on August 24, MVA will call for Maharashtra Bandh over the Badlapur incident."
#WATCH | Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, "...We had come here to discuss seat sharing but then we thought that we would not discuss seat sharing and instead discuss the law and order in the state after the Badlapur incident. The people of Maharashtra are agitated and… pic.twitter.com/4LoFpEZoly— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2024
♦ The Kalyan Bar Association has also refused to take the case of the accused, Akshay Shinde, the school attendant who was arrested for the alleged sexual assault.
♦ Susieben Shah criticises the school management
Susieben Shah, the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, criticized the school management, stating that they preferred to cover up the crime instead of helping the parents file a police complaint.
"If the school management had promptly alerted the police, the chaotic situation in Badlapur could have been avoided," she said.
♦ Police accuse 500 protesters of obstructing law enforcement
The police have accused over 500 protesters of obstructing law enforcement and registered four FIRs.
"More arrests are expected once the CCTV footage is thoroughly examined," stated Sudhakar Pathare, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Badlapur.
♦ Supriya Sule intensifies criticism of state government
NCP MP Supriya Sule intensified her criticism of the state government, citing official data to claim that crime rates, particularly against women, have risen dramatically in Maharashtra.
VIDEO | "The incident that happened (in Badlapur) is worrisome. The law and order of the state (Maharashtra) is in crisis. The Central government's data says that crime against women is rising in Maharashtra. The government didn't take proper action when the complaint was first… pic.twitter.com/njGzK6BCJv— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 21, 2024
♦ Mumbai Rail Disruptions
Train services on the Mumbai route, especially around Badlapur, remain severely disrupted. The protests, which initially began in the vicinity of the school, have now spread to key transit areas, blocking tracks and halting trains. Rail authorities have confirmed that operations have been suspended in the affected areas due to safety concerns. Commuters are facing massive delays, with alternative transport options being limited.
"We understand the public's anguish, but blocking the railway tracks isn't the solution. We urge the protesters to allow the resumption of train services," said a senior railway official.
♦ SIT Progress
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was formed to probe the allegations, has commenced its investigation. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the investigation will be "swift and thorough," aiming to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest. The SIT is reportedly exploring all angles of the case, with the school staff under intense scrutiny.
"The SIT will leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for the victims," Fadnavis emphasised, responding to growing public concern.
In the Badlapur unfortunate incident, IG Rank officer IPS Arti Singh is appointed immediately to conduct the enquiry.
Chargesheet will be immediately filed and this matter will be heard in the fasttrack court.
Our Police Dept will take complete efforts to get such barbaric… pic.twitter.com/lLMy2s9WhS— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 20, 2024
♦ Public Reaction
The protests have continued to escalate, with local leaders and activists taking the lead in mobilising the community. There is a growing demand for immediate justice, not just for the victims but also for a broader overhaul of security measures in schools across Maharashtra. Demonstrators are calling for stricter background checks for school staff and more rigorous safety protocols.
As the situation remains tense, authorities are urging calm, while protestors continue to voice their frustration and demand justice for the young victims.
For more the incident, read : Thane Protests over 2 four y/o Kids in School turns violent
Inputs by Agencies
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