Outrage in Badlapur as Two Nursery Kids Sexually Assaulted, Protests Erupt Over School’s Delayed Response
Internet Suspended, Schools Closed In Badlapur Following Protests Over Sexual Abuse Case
As the nation reels from the brutal rape and murder of a resident doctor in Kolkata, another horrifying incident has surfaced in Badlapur, near Mumbai. Two four-year-old girls were reportedly sexually assaulted by a school sweeper at a prominent local school on August 12 and 13, according to initial reports.
The delayed response from the school administration in filing an FIR and addressing the situation has sparked widespread outrage among residents, leading to calls for a citywide shutdown. Protests are underway outside the school, with citizens demanding improved safety measures for students, especially young girls. The demonstrations have garnered substantial support from local unions, including rickshaw drivers, bus operators, shop owners, and political parties.
Protest at Badlapur Station against the alleged sexual assault of two nursery kids at a Badlapur school. #Badlapur #Protest pic.twitter.com/prbuVHOW42
— Pune Pulse (@pulse_pune) August 20, 2024
The abuse came to light when one of the victims refused to attend school, prompting a medical examination that confirmed the assault. Further investigation revealed that another girl had also been abused. The accused, a sweeper employed by the school on a contractual basis, is currently under investigation.
Public anger has been fueled by the school administration’s delay of over 12 hours before allowing the parents to file an FIR. In response to the growing outrage, the school has suspended the principal and the class teacher and terminated its contract with the agency responsible for hiring the sweepers.
Protests have now spread beyond the school to the platforms of Badlapur railway station, where demonstrators are demanding justice for the young victims. Train services were disrupted as protesters blocked tracks starting at 10:10 a.m., according to Dr. Swapnil Nila, a spokesperson for Central Railway.
