Protests erupt after 2 nursery students sexually assaulted in Thane
A wave of public outrage has swept across Thane, following the sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a local school. The incident, which occurred on August 16, involved a 23-year-old male cleaner who has since been apprehended. The alleged perpetrator was employed by the school on a contractual basis from August 1.
Protests disrupt train services
The public's anger over the incident escalated into a massive protest at Badlapur railway station, disrupting train services for over six hours. The opposition has further fueled the outrage by alleging that the victims' parents were forced to wait 11 hours at a local police station before an FIR was filed. In response to these allegations, three police personnel have been suspended by the government.
Opposition leader criticizes police response, school's security lapses
Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, criticized the police's handling of the case and highlighted the school's security failures. He stated that there were no female attendants in the girls' toilets and many CCTV cameras were non-functional. The school has suspended its principal and dismissed a class teacher and nanny involved in this incident following these revelations. However, parents remain dissatisfied with these actions.
SIT formed to investigate case, CM assures action
In response to the escalating situation, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the sexual assault cases. He also directed the Thane Police Commissioner to prepare a proposal for transferring this case to a fast-track court. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has acknowledged the seriousness of this incident and assured that action will be taken against those found guilty.
National outrage over Kolkata rape-murder
This comes as the nation is on the boil over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical Collegeand Hospital. The doctor's body was discovered in a semi-naked condition in the hospital premises on August 9. The police later confirmed that she was raped before being killed. Since August 12, doctors have been on an indefinite strike, suspending all elective and non-essential services including OPDs.
