Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level probe into the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane. The Chief Minister has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident thoroughly, vowing that strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
“I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT is already in place, and we will also take action against the school where this incident occurred. We are moving to fast-track this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty,” Shinde said in a statement on Tuesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assigned the investigation to an SIT led by Inspector General of Police-level senior IPS officer Arti Singh. Additionally, the Thane Police Commissioner has been directed to submit a proposal to transfer the case to a fast-track court to ensure that justice is served swiftly.
Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced measures to strengthen school safety, including the mandatory operation of CCTV cameras in all schools and the formation of committees based on the Vishaka guidelines. He confirmed that the school principal, the class teacher, and two assistants involved have been suspended, and a notice has been served to the school.
Kesarkar also revealed that a senior police inspector who delayed filing the case has been transferred and should be suspended. “This is a very sad incident. We are fully mobilizing the state education department to ensure the safety of students. We will bring this case to a fast-track court and ensure maximum punishment for the accused,” Kesarkar assured.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed outrage over the incident, criticizing the state government’s handling of women’s safety. “The entire state is outraged and seeks justice. I urge the Rashtrapati Bhavan to approve the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law so that no other child or woman faces this travesty,” Chaturvedi stated.
The incident has sparked massive protests, with demonstrators blocking the Mumbai rail route at Badlapur Railway Station and pelting stones at police. Heavy security has been deployed to manage the situation and restore order.
The Central Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer confirmed that local train services were temporarily halted due to the protests.
