Sharad Pawar, along with Supriya Sule and other leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), held a protest in Pune over the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur. The protest was marked by the leaders and workers of the Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) wearing black armbands as a sign of solidarity and outrage.
The demonstration took place despite the rainy weather, with the MVA leaders standing firm in their demand for justice. Sharad Pawar voiced his deep concern over the increasing incidents of atrocities against women in Maharashtra.
He criticised the state government for its insensitivity, stating that every day brings news of such heinous acts, and the government’s dismissive attitude toward the opposition’s concerns is appalling. Pawar emphasised that the government must take these incidents seriously and act decisively to protect women and children.
Supriya Sule, an NCP (SCP) Member of Parliament, also took part in the protest, expressing her determination not to halt their efforts until the accused in the Badlapur case are brought to justice.
Sule condemned the government’s response and highlighted the rising fearlessness among criminals due to the lack of effective law enforcement. She pointed out that the government's dismissive statements about the protestors, labelling them as outsiders, further demonstrate the administration's lack of empathy and responsibility.
The protest in Pune was a part of the larger public outrage that has erupted in Maharashtra following the Badlapur incident. The sexual assault of two fourth-grade girls at a local school has triggered widespread anger and calls for swift justice.
On August 17, the police arrested a school attendant accused of abusing the minors. In addition to this, the special investigation team (SIT) set up to investigate the case has filed an FIR against the school authorities for failing to report the crime to the police as required under Section 19 of the POCSO Act.
This provision mandates that any authority aware of a sexual assault against minors must immediately inform law enforcement for further action.
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