The sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur has sparked widespread outrage and led to significant actions from the Maharashtra government. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a strong stance by ordering the immediate suspension of three senior police officials, including a senior police inspector, an assistant sub-inspector, and a head constable.
These officials were found to have delayed taking necessary action when the incident first came to light, which contributed to public anger and demands for accountability.
The incident, which occurred on the premises of a school in Badlapur, involved the sexual assault of two minor girls by a school attendant. The news of this heinous crime has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with people demanding swift justice for the victims.
The delay in the initial response from the police has been a focal point of the public's outrage, leading to widespread protests, including a major demonstration at the Badlapur Railway Station.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi strongly criticised the state government, accusing it of neglecting the safety of women and children. She expressed her anger over the incident, highlighting that such crimes should never be allowed to happen, especially within the supposed safety of a school. Chaturvedi also urged the Rashtrapati Bhavan to approve the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law, which would strengthen legal protections for women and children in the state.
In response to the incident, Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced that one of the accused has been arrested and assured that the state would pursue the maximum punishment for the crime.
He also revealed that the state education department has been fully mobilised to address the situation. An inquiry has been launched to investigate why the school's CCTV cameras were not operational, and several school staff members, including two teachers and the headmaster, have been suspended.
The government has also decided to establish Vishakha Committees in every school to ensure the safety of students. These committees will be responsible for addressing issues related to sexual harassment and ensuring a safe environment for all students.
The accused, now in custody, faces serious charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the case will be fast-tracked to ensure swift justice.
The protests in Badlapur have drawn significant attention, with residents and parents expressing their anger and frustration. The situation escalated to the point where stones were thrown at the police, and train services were disrupted as demonstrators blocked the railway tracks. In response, heavy security has been deployed to manage the situation and maintain order.
Maharashtra Minister Girish Mahajan visited the Badlapur railway station to address the concerns of the protesters. He acknowledged the severity of the incident and assured the public that the government is committed to ensuring justice.
Mahajan emphasised that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the case would work diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice and hold accountable those who showed negligence in their duties.
The Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer confirmed that local train services were halted at Badlapur Railway Station due to the ongoing protests.
The public's demand for justice and accountability has been heard loud and clear, and the state government is under pressure to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that those responsible are held fully accountable.
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