Sexual Abuse Case in Badlapur Sparks Outrage: Protests Erupt as CM Orders Strict Action
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday directed the police to impose charges of attempted rape against the suspect arrested for allegedly sexually abusing two young female students at a school in Badlapur, Thane. The Chief Minister also announced that a special public prosecutor would be appointed, and the case would be expedited in court.
“I have spoken with the Thane Police Commissioner. The accused has been apprehended. I have instructed that the case be fast-tracked and that the accused be charged with attempted rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,” CM Shinde stated.
What Unfolded in Badlapur?
Recently, two kindergarten students at a Badlapur school were sexually abused by a male attendant. The accused was arrested last week, but the incident led to widespread outrage.
On Tuesday, enraged parents and local residents stormed the school, vandalizing property in protest. Additionally, demonstrators blocked train tracks at Badlapur railway station from 8:30 am, causing significant disruption. Some protesters also threw stones, but the situation was quickly brought under control by authorities.
The victims, aged three and four, were abused in the school’s restroom. Following the incident, the school management suspended the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant.
Key Details of the Case:
– The accused is a 23-year-old male cleaning staff member, identified as Akshay Shinde.
– The assault occurred when the young girls went to use the toilet. Shockingly, the school had not appointed any female staff to oversee the girls’ restrooms. Shinde had been hired on a contractual basis starting from August 1, 2024.
– The abuse came to light when one of the girls complained of pain in her private parts. She later disclosed to her parents that the attendant had touched her inappropriately while she was in the restroom.
– Upon learning of this, the parents contacted the family of the girl’s friend, who revealed that their daughter was also terrified of attending school.
– The parents then took both girls to a local doctor, who confirmed that they had been sexually assaulted.
Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) Assures Action:
The Chief Minister has warned of legal consequences if the school management is found to have been negligent. The CMO issued a statement saying that CM Shinde has instructed the Thane Police Commissioner to ensure that the case is handled with the utmost urgency and care. Additionally, the Chief Minister has called for a review to ensure that Sakhi Savitri committees, which are intended to protect and support students, are indeed established in schools.
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