Bombay HC questions police over Badlapur school sexual abuse case
The Bombay High Court has raised questions regarding the Maharashtra Police's handling of a sexual abuse case involving two minor girls in a Badlapur school. The court, led by Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Prithviraj K Chavan, expressed dismay at the police's failure to record the second victim's statement under Section 164. "We are appalled by the fact that the Badlapur Police did not record the statement of the second victim girl under Section 164," stated Justices Dere and Chavan.
Court demands details on victims' safety measures
The court has also demanded information from the police about the measures taken to protect the two girls. The bench emphasized that "since this is a suo moto PIL on larger issues security and safety of girls cannot be compromised." The justices expressed their concern over the delay in recording statements related to the case, questioning why it took three days for an FIR to be filed after the incident occurred on August 13.
School authorities criticized for not reporting abuse
The Bombay High Court also criticized the school authorities for failing to report the sexual abuse to the police, despite being aware of it. The court expressed hope that "no stone will be left unturned to ensure justice." This comes after widespread public outrage over the incident, leading to large-scale protests in Badlapur and other parts of Maharashtra.
Protests and police action in response to the incident
The public's response to the incident has been intense, with protesters vandalizing school property and blocking railway tracks. At least 25 police personnel were injured during these protests. In response, authorities have arrested a male attendant on charges of assaulting the children in the school's toilet. His police custody has been extended until August 26 by a local court.
Maharashtra government introduces stringent measures for student safety
Following the incident, the Maharashtra government has introduced strict measures to improve student safety in schools. These include mandatory establishment of a student safety committee within a week and installation of CCTV cameras within one month. A complaint box system will also be implemented in schools as part of these new guidelines aimed at preventing similar incidents and ensuring a safer environment for young girls.
High-level probe and SIT formation ordered by CM
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level probe into the incident and announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The SIT will be led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh, an IG of Police. Meanwhile, Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla assured that the police force is fully committed to ensuring citizen safety and security, emphasizing that the investigation into this case is being conducted with utmost diligence.
