Protest Over Sexual Assault of School Girls in Maharashtra Turns Chaotic – (Video)

Mumbai, August 21, 2024 – Protests erupted in Maharashtra’s Badlapur on Tuesday following the alleged sexual assault of two young schoolgirls, leading to widespread public outrage and a chaotic standoff with law enforcement. The unrest, fueled by allegations of police inaction, culminated in protesters blocking train services at the Badlapur railway station, prompting police to use lathicharge to disperse the agitated crowd.

The protests come amid nationwide anger over the brutal rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata, with the Badlapur incident further intensifying public demands for swift justice. Hundreds of people gathered to express their fury over the alleged assault and to call for immediate action against the perpetrators.

In response to the escalating situation, the Maharashtra government swiftly announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident. State Cabinet Minister Girish Mahajan, attempting to calm the protesters, assured them that those responsible would face severe punishment. He also revealed that three police officers from the Badlapur police station had been suspended following reports that the victims’ families were made to wait 11 hours to file a First Information Report (FIR).

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, stating that the SIT would be led by an Inspector General (IG)-rank woman officer, and that the case would be expedited in a fast-track court. “Our Police Department will ensure that such barbaric acts are met with immediate and severe punishment,” Fadnavis asserted.

The delay in police action has not only fueled public anger but also sparked political outcry. Opposition leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticized the police’s handling of the case, particularly the long wait imposed on the victims’ families at the police station. He compared the severity of the incident to the Kolkata case, calling for immediate suspension of the police officer responsible for the delay.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Maharashtra government is under increasing pressure to deliver justice swiftly and address the lapses in police conduct that have contributed to the public’s growing frustration.