Badlapur sexual abuse: MVA calls for Maharashtra Bandh on Au

On Wednesday, a local court in Badlapur, Maharashtra, decided to extend the police custody of the man arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two girls at a local school. The custody has been extended until August 26.

maharashtra bandh 24 august

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Maharashtra Bandh Call by MVA
The opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a “Maharashtra bandh” scheduled for August 24. This strike aims to protest the alleged sexual assault on the two girls, according to a report by PTI. The decision was made by MVA allies, including Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, following a meeting. Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, stated that all MVA allies will participate in the bandh. He criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government for failing in addressing women's security issues in the state.
State-Wide CCTV Installation Directive
In response to the Badlapur sexual abuse case, the Maharashtra education department has mandated all schools across the state to install CCTV cameras within the next month. This measure aims to enhance safety and security within educational institutions.
Legal Community's Stance on the Accused
The Kalyan Bar Association has called on its members to refuse to represent the accused in this case. Additionally, a police official reported that the initial investigation suggests that some antisocial elements may have taken advantage of the protest in Badlapur on Tuesday.
Investigation into Protest Dynamics
Authorities are investigating how a large crowd assembled at the Badlapur railway station during the protest. The police are also reviewing phone calls and video footage to understand the situation better.
Internet Suspension and Arrests
Internet services in Badlapur were suspended on Wednesday, following a massive protest the previous day over the alleged sexual abuse of the two kindergarten girls. Officials reported that 72 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence that erupted during the demonstration.
Injuries and Property Damage
At least 25 police personnel sustained injuries during incidents of stone-pelting at the railway station and other areas in Badlapur. Protesters blocked railway tracks and stormed the school building, leading to significant disruptions.
Government Response and Investigation
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a special investigation team led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that action will be taken against the school involved, emphasizing that those responsible will not be spared.
Political Criticism and Demands
Supriya Sule, a leader from NCP (SP), criticized the state government over the Badlapur sexual abuse case. She called for Fadnavis's resignation, accusing the Eknath Shinde-led administration of neglecting women's safety issues while focusing on internal political disputes. Sule expressed that the government’s priorities are misplaced.
CM Shinde’s Response to Allegations
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed on Wednesday that the Badlapur protest was politically motivated and intended to tarnish the state government’s reputation. He alleged that many protesters were “outsiders,” attempting to downplay the impact of the demonstration.
Protests and School’s Response
Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad led a protest outside the Mantralaya, the state secretariat, in response to the Badlapur incident. Susieben Shah, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, criticized the school for allegedly covering up the crime instead of assisting the victims’ families in filing a police complaint. Shah suggested that prompt police notification by the school could have prevented the ensuing chaos in Badlapur.