In response to the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane district, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a statewide ‘Maharashtra Bandh’ on August 24. This decision, made during a meeting on Wednesday, is part of a broader agenda that also included discussions on seat-sharing for the upcoming assembly elections.
The bandh has garnered support from MVA allies, including Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and the NCP (SP) headed by Sharad Pawar. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut underscored the public’s outrage over the incident and confirmed that FIRs have been filed against some protesters. “On August 24, the MVA will call for a Maharashtra Bandh in response to the Badlapur incident,” Raut said.
NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad has criticized the government’s handling of the situation, calling it “unconstitutional” and emphasizing the need for the bandh to address rising criminal activities. Similarly, Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat highlighted the seriousness of the Badlapur case as the primary reason for the bandh.
Impact of Maharashtra Bandh on August 24
- Schools and Colleges: No government notification has been issued regarding closures. Schools and colleges are expected to operate as usual, although institutions typically closed on Saturdays will remain shut.
- Public Transport: Buses and metros are anticipated to run normally as the Maharashtra government has not endorsed the bandh.
- Banks: As per standard RBI rules, banks will be closed nationwide on August 24 due to it being the fourth Saturday of the month.
Background on Badlapur Sexual Assault Case
The Badlapur case has provoked widespread outrage. On August 17, an attendant was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls. This incident triggered a massive protest at Badlapur Railway Station, where clashes between demonstrators and police resulted in over 40 arrests. The police also filed FIRs against 300 people for stone-pelting, disrupting train services, and involvement in a lathi charge.