In a deeply disturbing incident, two three-and-a-half-year-old nursery students were sexually assaulted by a staff member at a reputed school in Badlapur East. The heinous act occurred as the girls were heading to their final exam. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, leading to a call for a bandh in Badlapur.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has vowed to take stringent action against the perpetrator and ensure justice is swiftly served. In a statement to 'TV 9 Marathi,' Shinde emphasized, "Proper action will be taken in this matter. Also, so that such incidents do not happen again, a regulation will be prepared on all the people of the institution, schools, so that such acts do not happen again."
Shinde revealed that he has instructed the police to act decisively. "I have spoken to the Commissioner of Police about this. The police have arrested the main accused in this case. The police should immediately impose several sections on the accused and the case should be pursued on a fast track. No one will be spared in this matter. I have ordered that this case should be taken to the fast track court and immediate action should be taken and severe punishment should be given. I have suggested that strict punishment should be given in this case. So that no one will dare again," he said.
In addition to pursuing the case vigorously, Shinde has mandated a thorough investigation of the organization's staff, including drivers. "The organization?s drivers will also be investigated in this case. While hiring employees like this, the management should also check the background of those employees. Therefore, instructions have been given to take action against the institute driver or whoever is guilty," Shinde added. He assured that a regulation would be formulated to prevent such incidents in the future, including stringent background checks for all employees.
Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also weighed in, calling for strict measures. "The accused has been arrested within 2 hours," he noted. Fadnavis has directed the Thane Police Commissioner to submit a proposal for fast-track court proceedings, emphasizing that no leniency will be shown towards the culprits.
The incident has shocked the community and highlighted the need for stricter oversight and accountability in educational institutions. As Badlapur residents demand justice, the government remains committed to ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again.
