The victims in the horrific Badlapur sexual assault case have identified the accused during a Test Identification Parade conducted at the Kalyan court on Saturday. The accused was brought from Taloja jail for the procedure, which was carried out according to legal protocol. Notably, investigators were not present in the room during the parade.
The victims, referring to the accused, identified him as the ‘lathiwala uncle’. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now in the process of submitting the chargesheet. This identification marks a crucial step in the investigation, strengthening the prosecution’s case against the accused.
The accused is currently in judicial custody for 14 days, charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The school’s secretary and chairman have sought anticipatory bail in the POCSO case for not reporting the assault to the local police. This incident has sparked outrage and led to calls for stricter measures to prevent such crimes and ensure accountability within educational institutions.
Following the public outcry, the Maharashtra Education Minister proposed installing panic buttons in schools to enhance women’s safety. An FIR was also registered against school authorities for failing to report the assault, further highlighting the need for increased vigilance and responsibility from institutions in protecting children.
This case has shone a harsh light on the vulnerability of children and the need for stronger safety measures in schools and communities. The investigation continues, and authorities are working tirelessly to ensure justice for the victims and prevent future incidents.
