Protests erupt in Badlapur over sexual assault of 4-year-old girls in school, Mumbai local train services hit

A CR official said train operations in both directions had been completely stopped and ten express trains had been diverted via the Karjat-Panvel-Thane route toward Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The Badlapur to Karjat services remained suspended while local trains between CSMT and Ambernath were running normally.

The protesters also took their demonstration to the streets of Badlapur, obstructing major roads and highways. It intensified as some protesters started throwing stones at the police and the school premises where the alleged sexual assault occurred. Ashutosh Dumbre, Police Commissioner, Thane, arrived at the scene to engage with the protesters, but the situation remained tense and was yet to return to normal.

Shops and other establishments in the Badlapur area remained closed and the school where the alleged sexual assault took place was also forced to close. Local political leaders and their supporters also turned up for the agitation.

The protesters held up banners rejecting the recently launched Ladki Bahin Yojana by the Mahayuti government. Instead, they demanded safer conditions for women, making it clear that they prioritise safety over the government’s scheme.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the media, stating that he had spoken with the Thane police commissioner who confirmed that the accused in the sexual assault case had already been arrested. Shinde assured that the investigation would be fast-tracked, emphasising the need for institutions to conduct thorough background checks when hiring staff.

He also announced plans to introduce a standard operating procedure to prevent such crimes in the future, reaffirming his government’s commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators faced severe punishment.

Sexual assault in school washroom

The two girls were sexually assaulted allegedly by a cleaning staff member on August 12 and 13 in the washroom of the school. There was reportedly a delay in responding to the crime by the police before they filed the FIR on August 16 and arrested the accused. The school had hired him on a contractual basis.

After the alleged crime, parents have been demanding stricter safety measures and better supervision to prevent such incidents in the future, and residents have been demanding more stringent action against the accused.

Responding to the protests, a senior police officer said, “A stringent criminal case has been registered. Within four hours (of the case registration), the accused was arrested. The court granted police custody of the accused. A thorough investigation is being carried out. A senior inspector of the police station concerned himself is investigating the matter and two experienced women police officers have been assisting him. Senior officers are also overseeing the investigation to ensure a watertight case is prepared with maximum pieces of evidence.”

The senior officer appealed to the citizens not to protest, as this would hamper police efforts to conduct a proper investigation. The Thane police commissioner had already imposed restrictions on such gatherings or agitations.

Meanwhile, a senior inspector of the police station concerned has reportedly been transferred over allegations of delay in filing a case.

Avinash Jadhav, a prominent leader from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray, expressed his outrage over the alleged crime. He demanded a swift investigation and resolution of the case within a year to send a strong message against sexual abuse. Jadhav noted that women leaders of the MNS were the first to raise the issue, organising a silent protest after the crime on August 12, as he lamented the alleged delay in police action.

Curated For You

India vs South Africa 2nd ODI Highlights: Aiden Markram stars with a century as SA defeat IND by 4 wickets to level series at 1-1

MCD By Election Result 2025 Highlights: Greater Kailash, Chandni Chowk and Dwarka-B among 7 key wards bagged by BJP, AAP wins 3

Akshay Kumar-Priyanka Chopra’s relationship soured; I cut him from my film, says Suneel Darshan: ‘His mistake, why should she suffer?’