The sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a Badlapur school in Thane, Maharashtra, has ignited a firestorm of political controversy and protests. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has fueled public anger and calls for accountability from the state government.
Following the horrific news, political leaders from various parties descended upon the city, demanding answers and expressing their outrage. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut highlighted the increasing crime rates and the government’s perceived failure to protect citizens. He announced a Maharashtra bandh on August 24th, calling for a statewide shutdown to protest against the rising crime, the increasing atrocities against women, and the government’s perceived inaction.
Opposition leaders, including Sushma Andhare of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Jitendra Awhad of the NCP (SP), confronted the government, demanding swift action and justice for the victims. Congress leaders, including Wadettiwar, Varsha Gaikwad, Aslam Shaikh, and Ameen Patel, staged a protest near Mantralaya, the state secretariat, demanding accountability. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters rallied in Girgaon, and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, along with supporters, held a demonstration in Pune.
Sule, in a poignant plea, requested the immediate withdrawal of security personnel assigned to her, emphasizing the need to prioritize public safety over personal protection. She urged a thorough review of security arrangements across the state, calling for the redeployment of security personnel to ensure the safety of citizens.
However, the political climate was further inflamed by a heated exchange between Sule and BJP state women’s wing chief Chitra Wagh. Wagh accused Sule of hypocrisy, highlighting her use of Nirbhaya squad cars for personal security during the MVA government’s tenure.
Amidst the political storm, the education department took immediate action, appointing an administrator and two advisors for the Badlapur school. Kunda Pandit, deputy education officer, Thane, was appointed the administrator, while a principal from another school in Badlapur and an education officer from Ambarnath were appointed as advisors.
This incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming state assembly elections, with political parties using the case to highlight their stances on law and order and women’s safety. The case has also brought to the forefront the need for stronger measures to protect children from abuse and ensure accountability within educational institutions.
