Lagatar24 Desk
Thane: The sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at an English medium school in Thane has triggered widespread outrage and protests, bringing parts of the city to a standstill. The incident, involving a 23-year-old male cleaning staff member, has left the community in shock and ignited calls for swift justice.
The assault occurred on August 16 inside the girls’ toilet at the school. The accused was arrested after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against him. However, the school’s response has failed to pacify the enraged parents and local residents. Despite the suspension of the principal and the dismissal of the class teacher and nanny involved, many parents feel that the school has not taken full responsibility for the safety failures that led to the horrific incident.
Protests escalated as residents blocked the Mumbai rail route at Badlapur railway station, halting train services. Tensions reached a peak when some protesters began pelting stones at the police, leading to chaotic scenes as officers attempted to control the situation.
Investigations by the police have exposed serious lapses in the school’s security protocols. Notably, there were no female attendants present in the girls’ toilets, a basic safety measure that was glaringly absent. Additionally, a number of the school’s CCTV cameras were found to be non-functional, further compounding the safety concerns.
In response to the public outcry, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the sexual assault cases. He has also directed the Thane Police Commissioner to submit a proposal to expedite the case through a fast-track court.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured the public that swift action will be taken. “I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT is already formed in this matter, and we are also going to take action against the school where the incident took place. We are in the process to fast-track this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty,” Shinde stated.
The incident has also drawn strong reactions from political leaders. Vijay Wadettiwar, Leader of the Opposition in Maharashtra, criticized the state’s handling of law and order, calling the incident a “shame” for Maharashtra. He urged that the case be tried on a fast track, with the accused being hanged within three months.
Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for prompt justice. “Ten years ago, the Nirbhaya case shocked the nation, and while the guilty were punished, it took far too long. Delays in justice are unacceptable, and those responsible for such delays should also be held accountable,” Thackeray said.
As the community continues to grapple with the shock and anger over the incident, the demand for justice remains strong, with the focus now on ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated.
