On August 20, a protest erupted at Badlapur Railway Station concerning the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls in a Thane district school. Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced that one suspect has been arrested and pledged to ensure a harsh punishment.
Kesarkar voiced his grave concerns over the incident, indicating the state education department’s comprehensive involvement alongside IAS officers investigating the case. The school’s non-functional CCTV is under scrutiny, and the Senior PI was transferred for delayed action. Kesarkar emphasized the importance of a Fast Track court to deliver maximum punishment, prioritizing student safety.
The incident reportedly occurred between August 13 and 16, prompting the education department to send a notice to the school. In response, Kesarkar also announced the establishment of Vishakha Committees across all schools and suspended two teachers, the headmaster, a class teacher, and two assistants. The arrest involved charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which could result in a sentence of up to 13 and a half years.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her outrage, stressing the need for the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law to be sanctioned to prevent such incidents. She criticized the government’s failure to protect women and children, questioning societal attitudes towards women’s safety.
Amid the protest, significant security measures were implemented at Badlapur Railway Station. Central Railway’s CPRO confirmed that local train services were suspended as demonstrators gathered to express their anger over the incident. The protest has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement to protect children in educational institutions.
