Massive protests erupted in Badlapur, Maharashtra, on Tuesday after two four-year-old students were sexually assaulted by a contractual employee at a reputed school. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to violent demonstrations and significant disruptions in the area.
Horror Massive Protest Near Mumbai Over Kids Molestation At Badlapur School After Two Nursery Students 4-Years-Old Girls' Were Sexually Abused By The Sweeper of A Reputed School in #Thane District,
The School Administration Suspended The Principal, Class Teacher#Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/wkEJIYevCY— Yogesh Negi (@yogeshnegi45) August 20, 2024
Key Updates
- Violent Protests and Police Response: Residents blocked the Mumbai rail route, halting train services. The situation escalated when protestors began pelting stones at the police, who responded with tear gas and a lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
🚨 Big Breaking! 🚨
Massive Protest at Badlapur Station over the alleged sexual assault of two nursery kids at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra.
Surprisingly, BJP IT cell and leaders are silent on this matter. 😑#Badlapur pic.twitter.com/hXwb4m3jba
— Siddharth (@SidKeVichaar) August 20, 2024
- Accused Arrested: The accused, Akshay Shinde, a cleaner contracted through a third-party company, was arrested after parents insisted on filing a formal complaint. The police initially delayed filing the FIR for over 12 hours, which further fueled public anger.
- School’s Response: The school issued a public statement expressing regret over the incident and acknowledged serious lapses in safeguarding students. However, parents were not satisfied, leading to the suspension of the principal. The school also dismissed the teacher in charge and two attendants responsible for escorting students to the washroom. Additionally, the contract with the company that employed the accused has been terminated, and the contractor has been blacklisted.
- Political Reactions: Maharashtra’s education minister, Deepak Kesarkar, revealed that CCTV cameras at the school were not functioning, and a notice has been issued to the management. He noted that residents were primarily angered by the delay in filing the FIR. Politicians across party lines condemned the incident, with Maharashtra’s home minister, Devendra Fadnavis, ordering the Thane police commissioner to expedite the case. NCP leader Supriya Sule demanded Fadnavis’ resignation, alleging a failure to control the crime rate in the state.
- Community Backlash: The bandh has gained support from various trade organizations, including rickshaw unions, jewelers, and school bus operators, all standing in solidarity with the victims and their families.
