The incident sparked widespread public outrage, resulting in large-scale protests in Badlapur and other parts of Maharashtra. Protesters stormed the school, vandalising property and blocked the railway tracks at the station in response to the incident.
During the protest in Badlapur, at least 25 police personnel were injured in incidents of stone-pelting at the railway station and other locations.
What the court said?
The high court in its hearing, slammed the Badlapur police for not taking the statement of the second girl’s father.
The court, with a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan expressed concerns about the state police’s investigation in the case.
The bench questioned why the statement of the second victim had not been recorded, demanding that the police provide details on the measures implemented to ensure the safety and security of the girls.
The court stressed that the state must leave no stone unturned in the SIT’s investigation, which was formed on Wednesday. One of the judges remarked, “If schools are not safe, then why talk about the right to education and other things? Even 4-year-old girls are not spared.”
The bench also pointed out several lapses, including the failure of the school authorities to report the incident to the police, as mandated by the POCSO Act. SIT chief IGP Arti Singh assured the court that they would take action against those responsible.
The court criticised the police, noting that they only acted after public outrage erupted. “Unless there is strong public outcry, the machinery won’t move. Will the state not act until the public reacts like this?” the court asked.
The bench asked for a status report on the SIT’s progress by August 27.
Maharashtra govt issues new school safety guidelines
In the wake of the incident, the Maharashtra government has introduced a series of stringent measures to enhance student safety in educational institutions. These new guidelines aim to prevent similar incidents and create a safer environment, especially for young girls.
The government has mandated that each school establish a student safety committee within a week, similar to POSH panels in workplaces. Schools are also required to install CCTV cameras within one month. The introduction of a complaint box system in schools is also among the measures outlined in the new safety guidelines.
Internet shut down
In response, authorities suspended internet services in the town on Wednesday. Police have arrested 72 individuals in connection with the violence that erupted during the protest.
Accused arrested in Badlapur case
The male attendant, arrested on August 17, is accused of assaulting the children in the school’s toilet. A local court on Wednesday extended his police custody until August 26.
Govt orders SIT formation
Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level probe into the incident, announcing that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been established to investigate the case, with strict action promised against those found guilty.
Later, the deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the SIT will be led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh, an IG of Police.
‘Maharashtra bandh‘: MVA calls statewide strike on August 24
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a “Maharashtra bandh” for August 24 to protest the alleged sexual assault of the two girls, according to PTI. The decision, made by MVA allies Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, and NCP (SP), was confirmed by Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.
Wadettiwar said that all MVA allies will participate in the bandh, highlighting concerns about women’s security in the state and criticising the BJP-led Mahayuti government for its handling of the situation.
‘Anti-social elements exploited protest’
The Kalyan Bar Association called on its members to decline representation of the accused in the case. A police official also disclosed that the initial investigation suggests some anti-social elements may have taken advantage of the protest in Badlapur on Tuesday.
DGP Shukla assures diligent investigation in case
In light of the alleged sexual assault in Badlapur, Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla assured on Wednesday that the police force is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
In a statement posted on the official X handle @DGPMaharashtra, DGP Shukla emphasised that the investigation into the Badlapur case is being carried out with the highest level of diligence.
CM Shinde claims protest is politically motivated
CM Shinde has labeled the ongoing protest in Badlapur as politically motivated and intended to discredit the state government. He also noted that a majority of the protesters were “outsiders.”
Uddhav Thackeray dismisses ‘politically motivated’ claims
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray dismissed claims that the Badlapur protest is politically motivated, labelling those who hold such views as either abnormal or defenders of the accused.
Thackeray emphasised that the August 24 bandh organised by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) aims to highlight the importance of women’s security and to prompt the government to take action. He said at a press conference that accusations of political motives behind the protest are baseless.
Fast-track trial and Ujjwal Nikam appointed as special public prosecutor
The DGP announced that preparations are underway to conduct a fast-track trial following the filing of a charge sheet. Lawyer Ujjwal Nikam has been appointed as Special Public Prosecutor for the case.
Meanwhile, Ambadas Danve, Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra’s Legislative Council, along with members of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s women wing, met with DGP Shukla at the state police headquarters. They submitted a memorandum demanding stringent action against those involved in the Badlapur case.