Following the horrific sexual assault of two minor girls by a school sweeper, a massive protest turned violent in Badlapur, near Mumbai, on Tuesday. The agitation, sparked by the community’s outrage over the incident, led to the Thane police registering an FIR against 300 protestors, with 40 individuals being arrested so far.
The protests, which started as a demonstration against the school’s administration for their alleged inaction, quickly escalated. The angry crowd vandalized the school, and incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Badlapur railway station. In response, the police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the mob, resulting in injuries to several police personnel. Reports indicate that one officer sustained a serious leg injury, bleeding profusely after being struck during the stone-pelting.
Swift Government Action Promised
Maharashtra’s Education Minister, Deepak Kesarkar, who visited the site of the protests on Tuesday, assured the public that the government would take swift and strict action against those responsible for the vandalism. “CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify and apprehend those who damaged the school property,” Kesarkar stated. He also condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for law and order to be maintained during such sensitive situations.
The unrest caused significant disruptions in Badlapur, including the suspension of Central Railway services beyond Ambarnath from 10:10 AM to 8:10 PM on Tuesday. Several long-distance trains were diverted to avoid the turmoil in the area.
Context of the Incident
The incident that triggered the unrest involved the sexual assault of two four-year-old girls by a 23-year-old school sweeper on August 12 and 13. The heinous crime, compounded by the perceived delay in filing an FIR against the accused, fueled public anger, leading to the call for a “Badlapur Bandh” by local citizens. The situation escalated when the protest turned violent, prompting immediate government intervention.
In response to the escalating situation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. They also assured the public that the case would be fast-tracked in court. Renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam has been appointed to represent the government in this critical case.
Further Developments
On Wednesday, a team from the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights was scheduled to visit the school where the sexual assault took place to ensure that the rights of the victims are upheld. Additionally, as a precautionary measure, internet services in Badlapur have been temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of misinformation and further unrest.
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic incident, authorities remain on high alert, and the investigation is ongoing. The government’s commitment to delivering justice swiftly is expected to play a crucial role in calming the situation in Badlapur.
