As the nation is already grappling with the shock of the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata, a new case from Badlapur, Maharashtra, has sparked further outrage. The safety of women and children has once again become a matter of national concern after reports emerged of two young girls being sexually assaulted at a prestigious school in Badlapur, Thane district. The incident has led to widespread protests, with thousands of citizens taking to the streets. Demonstrators even staged a rail blockade at Badlapur railway station, bringing train services to a halt.
“What If Those Girls Were Yours?”
During the protests, a furious woman confronted Minister Girish Mahajan, asking, “What would the government have done if those girls were yours?” The minister urged the protesters to end the rail blockade, offering to leave the site if it would help diffuse tensions. However, the protestors intensified their demands, insisting that the perpetrators be given the death penalty.
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Tuesday 28 Jan. 2025
Badlapur School Linked to BJP
The school where the incident occurred has ties to the BJP, leading to sharp criticism from political opponents. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked that if the school had been associated with any other party, BJP leaders would have staged massive protests on its doorstep.
Delay in Action Raises Questions
Raut also questioned the delay in police action, highlighting that the parents of the victims were kept waiting at the police station for 11-12 hours before the case was officially registered. He demanded to know why there was a delay and who might have influenced it, questioning the state’s ability to protect its citizens.
Calls for Death Penalty Intensify
Local residents have accused the police of stalling the registration of the case for over 12 hours. As the demand for immediate justice grew, protestors, particularly women, held banners reading “No more candles, we need action” and “We don’t need the government’s money, we need safety.” They demanded stricter laws and the death penalty for the culprits, expressing frustration that the government acts swiftly on other issues but fails to ensure the safety of women and children.
Suspension of Police Officers and SIT Inquiry
In response to the public outcry, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh. Additionally, three police officers, including the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and a head constable from Badlapur police station, were suspended for dereliction of duty.
BJP’s Silence Questioned
As BJP leaders had been vocal about the Kolkata incident, their silence on the Badlapur case has not gone unnoticed. Critics have questioned why the party has remained subdued despite the gravity of the incident involving two young girls.
