The case of sexual abuse of two girls in a school in Badlapur, Thane, Maharashtra, has sparked massive public outrage. Upon hearing about the incident, a furious crowd clashed with the police. The mob first vandalized the school and then obstructed train services at Badlapur Railway Station. In response, the police fired tear gas, leading people to hurl stones. Dozens were injured in the process.
On Tuesday evening, the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the protesters. The crowd scattered as officials cleared the tracks to resume train services. Authorities claim the situation is now under control and most demands have been met. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde appealed for calm.
Local train services on the Central Railway section in Mumbai were disrupted for several hours. Trains were halted from around 8:30 AM, with the station finally cleared of protesters by 6 PM. Police and RPF personnel were deployed in large numbers around the railway station and the school where the demonstration took place.
1. Sexual Abuse in School Bathroom
A 23-year-old man allegedly sexually abused the girls in the school bathroom on August 16. The victims' families filed a complaint the following day. The police arrested the accused, Akshay Shinde, under relevant sections of the POCSO Act. Numerous actions were taken, including the transfer of the area’s female inspector Shubhada Shitole.
2. Suspension of Principal, Class Teacher, and 3 Policemen
In addition to suspending the school's principal, class teacher, and a female employee, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued orders for the immediate suspension of the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable from Badlapur Police Station for negligence. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed for swift investigation.
3. Investigation Led by Female IPS Officer of IG Rank
Devendra Fadnavis stated that the state government appointed Arti Singh, an IPS officer of IG rank, to lead the investigation. The goal is to expedite the investigation, file chargesheets promptly, and present the case in a fast-track court for swift justice. The police department is determined to ensure quick punishment.
4. Case to be Heard in Fast-Track Court
Earlier, Fadnavis instructed the Thane Police Commissioner to prepare a proposal for rapid court proceedings. Opposition parties claim the victims' parents were made to wait 11 hours at Badlapur Police Station before lodging their complaint. Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly, accused the police of negligence.
5. Congress Leader’s Comparison to Kolkata Incident
In a video message, a Congress leader compared the incident to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in a Kolkata hospital, which had triggered national outrage. He stated that the abuse of the girls, aged three and four, and the 11-hour wait at the police station for filing a complaint, reflects a lack of sensitivity.
Source: aajtak
6. Violent Protest, Rail Blockade Movement
The protest against the incident turned violent on Tuesday. Enraged demonstrators vandalized the school and stoned the local railway station during the 'rail roko' protest. The protesting group, comprising school children's parents and a significant number of local women, demanded action against the school and harsh punishment for the culprits.
7. Vandalism of School Property
Police reported that some protesters, including women, damaged the school gate, windows, benches, and doors. Train services were disrupted by the protests at the railway station, causing inconvenience to many passengers. Despite efforts by police personnel and other officials to persuade the protesters to end the disruption, the situation was challenging to manage.
8. Demand for Death Penalty for Accused
Protesters rejected the state government's appeal to end the rail blockade. Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan's attempt to pacify the protesters on Tuesday afternoon was unsuccessful. The crowd continued to chant slogans, demanding justice for the victims and the death penalty for the accused.
9. BJP's Allegations of External Influence
Meanwhile, Kisan Kathore, the BJP MLA from Murbad Constituency in Thane, alleged that the protest at Badlapur Railway Station was politically motivated. He claimed the demonstrators were not from Badlapur but from neighboring areas like Ulhasnagar and that the protest was being politicized unnecessarily.
10. Formation of 'Vishakha Committees' in Schools
Amid the public outcry over the school assault, Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced the formation of 'Vishakha Committees' in schools. He emphasized action against non-functional CCTV cameras in school premises. The Vishakha Committees are mandated by a landmark Supreme Court decision to handle workplace sexual harassment complaints.
He stated, "Vishakha Committees will be established at the school level to provide a platform for students, particularly those in grades 9, 10, and junior college, to voice their complaints. Schools are already required to have CCTV cameras, but the cameras at the Badlapur school where the assault occurred were not operational."
