Who's Akshay Shinde? Accused arrested in Badlapur sexual assault case
A 24-year-old school cleaner, Akshay Shinde, was arrested in connection with the sexual assault of two young girls in Badlapur town in Maharashtra's Thane district. The incident occurred at a local school where Shinde was employed on a contractual basis through a cleaning company. The victims are both kindergarten students who were allegedly abused by Shinde in the school's toilet facilities.
Shinde's police custody extended until August 26
Shinde was taken into custody on August 17, following a complaint lodged by one of the victims' parents. The court has now extended his police custody until August 26. This decision was made when Shinde was presented before a magistrate in Kalyan under heavy police security. The incident came to light after one of the victims complained about discomfort in her private parts, leading to the revelation of the alleged abuse.
Public outrage and protests erupt in Badlapur
The sexual assault case has sparked widespread public outrage, leading to massive protests in Badlapur. Parents of the affected schoolchildren, along with local residents, blocked railway tracks at Badlapur station and damaged a nearby school building. These demonstrations were organized to express anger over the incident and demand severe punishment for Shinde. The protests have also caused disruptions to several long-distance trains including Mumbai-Surat Vande Bharat, Pune Duronto Express among others.
High-level probe and fast-track court trial announced
In response to the public outcry, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam will serve as the special public prosecutor in this case. He also confirmed that the trial would be expedited through a Fast Track court. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed for this purpose.
Internet services suspended, schools shut amid protests
The ongoing protests have led to the suspension of internet services in Badlapur town and closure of schools. At least 25 police officers were injured due to stone-pelting at the railway station and other locations during these demonstrations. In response to this unrest, authorities have arrested 72 individuals connected with these incidents. The school management has also suspended its principal and two staff members following parents' protest after the alleged sexual assault.
