The Maharashtra government on Tuesday suspended three police officials, including a senior police inspector, for alleged negligence in handling the investigation into the sexual abuse of two young girls at a school in Badlapur. The suspension order was issued following widespread protests by parents and locals. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the action via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the senior police inspector, an assistant sub-inspector, and a head constable from Badlapur police station have been suspended for dereliction of duty.
The state government has also set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The SIT will be led by Inspector General Arti Singh, a senior IPS officer. Earlier in the day, Fadnavis directed the Thane Police Commissioner to propose trying the case in a fast-track court to expedite justice.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who claim that the parents of the victims were made to wait 11 hours before their complaints were registered. Addressing reporters, Fadnavis said the inquiry by the SIT, led by a female IPS officer, would be conducted swiftly, to file the chargesheet at the earliest and bring the case to trial in a fast-track court.
“Our police department will make every effort to ensure that those responsible for this barbaric act face immediate and severe punishment,” Fadnavis said.
The situation in Badlapur has remained tense, as hundreds of angry parents and local citizens have been protesting at Badlapur railway station since Tuesday morning. The protesters blocked train routes in both directions, demanding justice and stringent action against those responsible. The protests have severely disrupted train services since 8 a.m.
The sexual abuse incident involves two kindergarten girls, aged three and four, who were allegedly assaulted by a school attendant on August 17. The police have since arrested the accused, who reportedly abused the girls in the school toilet. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed authorities to charge the accused with attempted rape and has assured that the case will be fast-tracked with a special public prosecutor assigned.
The state government’s actions come in response to growing public outrage and demands for accountability in ensuring the safety of children in educationalÂ