In Badlapur, a town in Maharashtra's Thane district, the situation remains tense following a major protest over the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls. On Wednesday, internet services in the town were suspended, and many schools stayed closed as a precautionary measure.

The protest erupted on Tuesday after accusations surfaced that a school sweeper had sexually abused the girls in a school washroom last week. Demonstrators, outraged by the incident, blocked railway tracks and vandalized a local school building. During the clash, at least 17 city police personnel and eight railway police officers sustained injuries from stone-pelting.

Authorities have arrested 72 individuals in connection with the violence, and additional police forces have been deployed to restore order. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage and video evidence to identify more suspects.

Local police officials have registered multiple FIRs, charging protesters with violations including unlawful assembly, assault, and property damage. The injured police personnel are receiving treatment at local hospitals.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) has also filed an FIR related to the violence at the railway station, with 32 people arrested. GRP Commissioner Ravindra Shisve confirmed that the situation is now under control.

In response to the incident, the school has suspended its principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant. The state government has also taken action by suspending three police officials, including a senior inspector, for failing to address the abuse allegations promptly.

Protesters, including many parents and local residents, gathered at the school and railway station, where they engaged in a "rail roko" demonstration, disrupting local train services.

The school involved is reportedly linked to a relative of a BJP leader from Badlapur. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a special investigation team led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh to expedite the investigation. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde pledged that strict action will be taken against those responsible and emphasized that the case will be fast-tracked.

Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, appointed as the special public prosecutor for the case, criticized the delay in lodging the FIR, stating that such delays could result in the loss of crucial evidence. Opposition parties have criticized the Mahayuti government for its handling of the situation.

THESE Trains Diverted Amid Protests in Badlapur Over Nursery Assault Case

Protests Erupt in Badlapur Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of Nursery Students by School Sweeper

Sexual harassment of nursery students in school creates ruckus, people take to the streets