The alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur near Mumbai sparked severe unrest on Tuesday with protests turning violent and disrupting local train services. The protests became violent as demonstrators vandalised the school premises, breaking windows, benches and doors. At the railway station, some protesters engaged in stone-pelting, further intensifying the clash with police. Despite attempts by authorities to manage the situation and convince the protesters to disperse, the blockade continued for several hours, affecting daily commuters and prompting widespread calls for justice.
On August 17, the arrest of a school attendant for allegedly sexually abusing two kindergarten girls, aged three and four, led to significant protests. The accused, employed as a sweeper at the school, reportedly abused the children in the school’s toilet.
The accused has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, a comprehensive law enacted to safeguard children against sexual abuse and exploitation. The Act mandates stringent penalties for sexual crimes against minors and provides a legal framework for the protection and support of victims. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed that the case be fast-tracked and that attempt to rape charges be included. Additionally, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police Aarti Singh has been formed to ensure a thorough and efficient investigation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has criticised the state government for its handling of the situation pointing out the disparity between the government’s safety initiatives for women and the current crisis. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi called for the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law to be approved emphasising the need for stronger measures to protect women and children.
In response to the incident, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights announced the deployment of a team to Thane to investigate. Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo expressed strong disapproval of the local police’s delay in registering the FIR, which reportedly took over 12 hours. Kanoongo vowed to personally oversee the investigation and hold negligent officers accountable.
On sexual assault with a girl child at a school in Badlapur, NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanungo told ANI that “The school’s attitude in this case was insensitive. They tried to suppress the case. The concerned police station did not register an FIR in due time…A team will sent to the spot…The Deputy CM of Maharashtra has decided to remove the officers of the concerned police station. This is a positive step…Action should be taken against school administration or those responsible for not registering the FIR and suppressing the case.”
After massive protests, the school management suspended the principal, the class teacher and a female attendant in light of the incident. The police response has been scrutinised for delays, leading to the transfer of station in-charge Shubhada Shitole. The delay in FIR registration and the failure to address the complaint promptly have been significant points of criticism.
The Maharashtra government emphasised the need for effective action to prevent future incidents. Measures proposed include enhancing school safety protocols such as the installation of complaint boxes, increased scrutiny of school staff and improved reporting mechanisms for students. The chief minister also called for a review of Sakhi Savitri committees, which are intended to support and safeguard students.
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Violent protests erupt in Maharashtra’s Badlapur after alleged sexual abuse of young girls
