In Thane, Maharashtra, a horrific case of sexual assault involving two four-year-old girls has ignited widespread protests and civil unrest. The incident reportedly occurred on August 16, when a 23-year-old male cleaning staff member allegedly assaulted the young girls inside the girls’ toilet at their school.
The arrest of the accused followed the filing of an FIR, but the response from the school’s administration has only fueled further outrage. The school has suspended the principal, dismissed the class teacher, and terminated the nanny involved, yet parents and local residents remain deeply dissatisfied. They are calling for greater accountability from the school and demanding a formal apology, which has not been forthcoming.
The situation escalated dramatically when protests at Badlapur railway station led to the blocking of the Mumbai rail route. Demonstrators threw stones at police officers, causing significant disruption to train services and leading to clashes on the railway tracks.
Investigations into the case have revealed serious security lapses within the school. Notably, there were no female attendants present in the girls’ toilets, a basic safety requirement, and several CCTV cameras were found to be non-functional.
In response to the outcry, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case further. He has also instructed the Thane Police Commissioner to propose a plan for a fast-track court trial. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed his grave concern over the incident, stating that the case will be fast-tracked and that no guilty party will escape justice.
Opposition Leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the state’s law and order situation, asserting that the incident tarnishes Maharashtra’s reputation. He called for the case to be expedited and for severe punishment for the accused.
Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray echoed demands for swift justice, comparing the case to the Nirbhaya incident in Delhi and criticizing delays in legal proceedings. Thackeray emphasized the need to avoid politicization of the case and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Sources By Agencies
