Badlapur KG girls sexual abuse case: Maharashtra orders SIT probe, minister assures maximum punishment

In response to the alleged sexual assault of a young girl at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police Arti Singh. The Thane Police Commissioner has been directed to submit a proposal to expedite the case in a fast-track court, aiming for swift and stringent action against those responsible.

Badlapur Assault Case: Chief Minister and Education Minister Weigh In

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed serious concern over the incident, stating, "I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT is already formed in this matter and we are also going to take action against the school where the incident took place. We are in the process to fast-track this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty."

Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar also addressed the incident, saying, "We will see to it that the existing safety measures are further strengthened. We are issuing a circular today that CCTVs must be operational in each school. We will appoint a committee based on the Vishaka committee in schools as well. We will fast-track this case and give the strictest punishment to the accused."


He added that the school principal, class teacher, and two assistants have been suspended, and the school has been served a notice. Kesarkar also criticized the delay in registering the case, calling for the suspension of a senior police officer involved.

Shinde held a meeting with education minister Deepak Kesarkar and suggested setting up a complaint box in every school for students or parents facing problems. “There should be a system in place so that if the student has any doubts, they should be able to immediately point it out to the principal or teachers without fear,” he said.

“The management should immediately talk to the teachers and staff of all the schools and take appropriate care. If the directors are at fault, action will be taken against them,” he added.

Badlapur Assault Case: Background and New Safety Measures

The incident, which involved the alleged abuse of two nursery children by a school sweeper, has led to significant changes in school safety protocols. Kesarkar announced that private schools must install and maintain operational closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. This new directive follows the revelation that the cameras at the Badlapur school were non-functional during the abuse that occurred between August 13 and 16. To prevent similar incidents, the state will also form Vishaka Committees in schools, modeled after workplace grievance committees, to handle sexual harassment cases and ensure timely resolution.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the entire state was outraged.

Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "Two young girls were sexually assaulted in Badlapur, Maharashtra in the school premises; the entire state is outraged and seeks justice. I once again urge the Rashtrapati Bhavan to approve the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law, no other child or woman faces this travesty. Shame on the state government to continue to ignore the safety of women."

She further said that this incident happened on school premises. "Sick perverts in our society want women to dress in a 'decent way', to step out during 'safe hours' and work in' safe zones', and take charge of their 'own safety'. What would you say to this?" Chaturvedi said.

Meanwhile, heavy security has been deployed to control the crowd protesting against the alleged sexual assault incident in Badlapur.

Badlapur Assault Case: Operational Disruptions and Accountability

The incident has led to disruptions in train services, with 10 Mail Express trains being diverted via Karjat-Panvel-Thane stations. Local train services between CSMT and Ambarnath remain unaffected, while services from Badlapur to Karjat are suspended.

The new regulations emphasize the critical role of surveillance in protecting students. Schools are instructed to keep CCTV cameras operational and install complaint boxes for older students to report abuse. Schools failing to comply will be held accountable.