Outrage in Badlapur: Community Demands Justice for Victims of School Assault
A tragic and disturbing incident in Badlapur, Maharashtra, has sparked widespread outrage and significant protests across the town. On August 12–13, two young girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by a school attendant at a kindergarten in Badlapur, located in Thane district. The incident came to light after one of the girls confided in her parents, leading to a medical examination that confirmed the abuse. The accused, identified as Akshay Shinde, was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The delay in police action after the parents lodged a complaint—an FIR was reportedly registered 12 hours after the initial complaint—fueled anger among the local community. This led to massive protests, including a rail blockade at Badlapur railway station, where thousands of residents, including parents and other locals, gathered to demand justice and better safety measures for students. The protests turned violent at times, with stone-pelting incidents reported, leading to a police lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
In response to the incident, the school’s principal and three other staff members were suspended, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to expedite the investigation. The Maharashtra government has vowed to take stringent action against those involved and to ensure the safety of students across the state.
This incident has not only shaken the Badlapur community but also highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children in educational institutions (India Today) (Zee News).
