On Wednesday, a local court extended the police custody of Akshay Shinde, the 23-year-old contract sweeper accused of sexually assaulting two nursery girls at a Badlapur school. The extension is to last until 24 August.
Shinde, arrested on August 17, initially spent three days in police custody, which ended on Wednesday. He faces serious charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for the alleged assault on 12-13 August.
The case, involving two girls aged 4 and 6, has ignited widespread outrage across the state.
The school’s administration issued an apology in the wake of the allegations, but this gesture has failed to quell public anger.
In response, residents of Badlapur organized a large-scale protest that led to violent clashes with police and the temporary occupation of the local railway station for ten hours on Tuesday.
The disruption severely impacted suburban and long-distance train services.
Following the unrest, Badlapur experienced a tense calm on Wednesday, with heightened police presence around key locations, including the railway station and schools.
In the aftermath of the protests, both the Badlapur city and railway police have launched actions against hundreds of protesters.
Government Railway Police (GRP) Deputy Commissioner Manoj Patil confirmed that around 40 individuals have been booked or detained, with more than 300 additional protesters facing charges for their involvement in Tuesday’s violence.
The Badlapur police are also addressing vandalism and damage to vehicles and the school premises.
Schools in Badlapur remain closed, and many shops and businesses have shut down due to the heightened security measures.
A limited number of cautious commuters were seen at the railway station amidst the ongoing disturbances.
The public and political reactions to the assault have been intense, leading to significant concessions from the government.
Government Agrees To SIT, Ujjwal Nikam As Prosecutor, & Police Suspensions
In response to the demands of the protesters, the government has agreed to several key measures:
- The formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the allegations,
- The appointment of renowned criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the Special Public Prosecutor,
- The suspension of three police officials including a female officer who allegedly delayed the filing of the victims’ complaint and the promise of a swift trial in a fast-track court.
The case continues to unfold as Badlapur remains on high alert, reflecting the deep public concern over the safety of children and the justice system’s responsiveness to serious crimes.
Also Read: Teacher Arrested For Allegedly Molesting Students In Akola Amid Badlapur Abuse Controversy
