Protests erupted in Badlapur, Maharashtra’s Thane district, on Tuesday in response to the alleged sexual assault of two schoolgirls.
The demonstration turned violent as enraged protestors vandalized the school and blocked train tracks on the Kalyan–Karjat section of the central railway, halting train services.
In response to the unrest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered police to file attempted rape charges against the accused, who is alleged to have sexually abused the two girls. The CM announced the appointment of a special public prosecutor and pledged to expedite the case.
Earlier that day, the parents of the victims participated in a silent protest outside the school, which escalated when a larger crowd joined between 9:30 and 10:00 AM, partly due to insufficient police presence. As tensions rose, the school suspended the principal and three staff members. Many citizens are now calling for the death penalty for the accused, who works as a cleaner at the school.
What happened at Badlapur school?
The incident involved two kindergarten students, aged three and four, who were reportedly assaulted in the school restroom. The accused was arrested last week.
During the protests, some demonstrators threw stones, but law enforcement quickly regained control of the situation. Since 8:30 AM, protesters have also been obstructing train traffic at the Badlapur railway station.
