In a shocking incident, two three-and-a-half-year-old nursery students were sexually assaulted by a staff member at a reputed school in Badlapur East on August 12 and 13. The girls were at the school for their final exams when the assaults occurred.
The abuse was uncovered when one victim’s grandfather, noticing her reluctance to return to school, had her medically examined, revealing signs of torture. A similar case was reported involving another girl from the same school.
Following the incident, families of the victims faced delays in filing a police complaint, sparking outrage from the community. In response, citizens have organized widespread protests, including a rail roko that has halted train services between Kalyan and Karjat, and a bandh supported by trade unions, school bus unions, and rickshaw unions. Parents are also protesting outside the school.
Authorities have instructed immediate action and are investigating the school. The Deputy Chief Minister has agreed to fast-track the legal process for the case. Citizens have been urged to remain calm as the government promises appropriate action against both the accused and any negligent police officials.
Badlapur BJP MLA Kisan Kathore has appealed for calm, stating, “I am out since yesterday, so I am appealing to all citizens to remain calm.”