Bombay HC takes cognizance of Badlapur school sexual abuse case
The Bombay High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of an alleged sexual assault case involving two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane district, Maharashtra. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday before a division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan. To recall, violent protests erupted in the town after the incident. The police arrested the accused, 23-year-old Akshay Shinde who was employed at the school, last week.
How the incident came to light
The sexual assault was discovered when one of the victims complained about pain in her private parts, later revealing to her parents that Shinde had touched her inappropriately in the school toilet. The incident was reported to the police on August 16, but an FIR wasn't filed until approximately 12 hours later. After discussing amongst themselves parents of both victims realized their daughters shared similar experiences and a local doctor confirmed the sexual assault allegations.
Government, opposition response to the incident
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has pledged swift action by forming a special investigation team and called for a review of Sakhi Savitree committees, aimed at ensuring women and children's safety. However, opposition parties have criticized Shinde for politicizing the case. Congress state president Nana Patole, along with the NCP(SP), have called for a Maharashtra Bandh on August 24 in response to the incident.
State child rights body pulls up school for negligence
Susieben Shah, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, criticized the school for its negligence and lack of female attendants in toilets. "The incident that happened in Badlapur yesterday is very condemnable," she said. Following the incident, the school management suspended a principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant. The state government also ordered the suspension of three police officials for alleged dereliction of duty in investigating the sexual abuse case.
Statewide protests
The Maha Vikas Aghadi has called for a Maharashtra Bandh on August 24 to protest the Badlapur incident and rising crime against women and girls. In a meeting, leaders from the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP discussed the incident and overall safety issues for women and girls in the state. The Kalyan Bar Association has decided not to represent accused Akshay Shinde in court.
