Chaotic scenes have erupted in Badlapur, Maharashtra, following a horrific incident involving two kindergarten girls. The school attendant sexually abused the girls, triggering massive protests across the state. The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has announced an investigation into the matter.
Internet services, which were shut down post the incident, have now been restored. Local train services on the Ambernath-Karjat section resumed after a 10-hour suspension.
Reports state that a janitor at a school in Badlapur, Thane, sexually abused two kindergarten girls aged three and four. Following rising tensions in the city, internet services were temporarily suspended but are now back online. The NCPCR has stated that they will send a team to Badlapur for further investigation.
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Following major protests at Badlapur railway station, local train services on the Ambernath-Karjat section resumed after a 10-hour suspension. According to police sources, the abuse took place in a school toilet on August 13, and the matter came to light on August 16 when one of the children informed her parents. The accused, Akshay Shinde, was arrested on August 17.
Source: aajtak
10 Key Points to Understand What Happened in Badlapur
Source: aajtak
School Management Issues Apology Post Incident
The school management has apologized for the incident and blacklisted the firm contracted for housekeeping. They also pledged to increase vigilance within the school premises. Following the incident, the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant were suspended. The state government has also suspended three police officers, including a senior police inspector.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IV) Sudhakar Pathare stated that a case was registered against the accused, who was caught within three and a half hours of filing the FIR. He urged the residents of Badlapur to avoid public protests which could impede the investigation. The police are committed to resolving the case swiftly.
Uddhav Thackeray Calls for Fast-Track Court Hearing
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called for a fast-track court to handle the case of sexual abuse in Badlapur. He criticized the state government for failing to protect girls despite running numerous schemes. He accused certain states of politicizing crimes against women.
Opposition leader in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, criticized the police action. He targeted the government and police, announcing a statewide movement against the ruling coalition.
CM Eknath Shinde: No Leniency for Offenders
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized strict action against the school and rapid investigation of the case, promising no leniency for the offenders. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by senior IPS officer Arti Singh and suspended three police officers. BJP MLA Kisan Kathore claimed that some protesters were from outside Badlapur, suggesting that the agitation was pre-planned.
Source: aajtak
Train Routes Altered Due to Protests
The rail blockade at Badlapur station necessitated route changes for 15 long-distance trains. Local train services on the Ambernath-Karjat section were suspended for ten hours, causing thousands of passengers to be stranded. Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Swapnil Neela, mentioned that the first local train to Badlapur departed from South Mumbai's CSMT around 7 PM after nearly 10 hours.
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Authorities arranged buses between Kalyan and Karjat routes as many passengers were stranded due to the disrupted local train services. A total of 15 mail-expresstrains, including the Solapur-CSMT Vande Bharat Express, were diverted via Diva-Panvel-Karjat stations until 5 PM.
A Mumbai-based lawyer urged the Bombay High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the sexual abuse case involving the girls. Lawyer Ajinkya Gaikwad approached Justice Bharti Dangre with his petition but was advised to contact an appropriate division bench. Justice Dangre stated that a single bench could not hear such matters.
NHRC Demands Report from Maharashtra Authorities
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from Maharashtra authorities regarding the Thane incident and the delay in registering the FIR. The commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case.
The NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police in Maharashtra, asking for a comprehensive report on the incident within two weeks. The victims' parents questioned why no female staff was appointed to clean the girls' toilets. The commission emphasized the need for a thorough investigation.
Education Minister: Vishaka Committees to be Established in Schools
Maharashtra's School Education Minister, Deepak Kesarkar, announced that 'Vishaka Committees' would be established in schools. He warned that action would be taken if CCTV cameras in the premises were found non-functional. A notice has been issued to the school in Badlapur, and its principal, some teachers, and two assistants have been suspended.
