After thousands of angry parents staged a ‘rail roko’ protest at the Badlapur railway station in Maharashtra’s Thane district over the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old minor girls on Tuesday (August 20, 2024), a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to look into the issue.
Assuring action against the culprits, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “We are in the process of fast-tracking the case, and the offenders will not be spared.” He instructed the authorities to investigate whether ‘Sakhi Savitri Committees’ were established in the school or not. Mr. Shinde emphasised following the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent such incidents.
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Despite the Chief Minister’s assurance, the crowd gathered at the station did not disperse. The agitators continued to protest for 12 hours until the police resorted to lathi charge.
A cleaning staff member identified as Akshay Shinde (24) allegedly abused the girls on August 12 and 13 in the toilet of their nursery school. The FIR was registered on August 16 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 65(2) (rape on girl under 12 years of age), 74 (assault or criminal force with the intent to outrage modesty), 75 (sexual harassment offences), and 76 (assault or criminal force used with the intent to disrobe), police said.
The parents complained of a delay of 12 hours in taking action against the suspect, which led to a protest seeking capital punishment for the accused.
Police officials suspended
For delayed action, the State government ordered the suspension of a senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector and head constable of the Badlapur police station. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X, “IG Rank officer IPS Arti Singh is appointed to conduct the enquiry. The chargesheet will be immediately filed, and this matter will be heard in the fast-track court. Our Police Dept will make complete efforts to get such barbaric inhumane punished immediately.”
Protests erupted early in the morning, and people blocking rail tracks disrupted rail connectivity. Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said, “42 suburb locals were partially cancelled on CSMT and Ambernath route, and 14 long route trains were diverted via Karjat-Panvel-Thane stations.”
State Minister Girish Mahajan reached the venue and attempted to convince the agitators to end the protest. “I do understand the rage, but this is the law. The case is on the fast track, the school management also suspended its principal, including the class teacher and a female assistant, and the culprit will also be punished.”
NCPCR to send team
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo announced sending a team to Thane for investigation. Taking to X, he questioned the police about why parents were kept waiting for 12 hours to file an FIR. “I will monitor the probe closely and make sure the responsible authorities are arrested.”
The Opposition targeted the Mahayuti government for negligence in the case. Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray called to put the case on a fast track and urged that no culprit to be spared. He said, “The school is owned by BJP people; I am not trying to bring politics, but speedy actions need to be taken, leaving aside the politics.”
Meanwhile, Baramati MP Supriya Sule criticising the government, said, “Instead of Ladki Bahin, ensure the safety of women.”
