Two four-year-old schoolgirls were allegedly sexually assaulted by a school caretaker in Badlapur, Thane district, Maharashtra. Actor Ritesh Deshmukh, in a post on X, condemned the act and sought “severe punishment” for the accused.
“As a parent I am absolutely disgusted, heartbroken and outraged!! Two 4 year old girls were sexually assaulted by a male cleaner at their school. School should be as safe a place for children as their own home. This devil needs to be given the harshest punishment. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time gave sinners their due – Chauran. We need to implement these laws again. #BadlapurCrime,” wrote the Bigg Boss Marathi season 5 host.
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As a parent I feel so disgusted and distressed and I am burning with anger!!
Two 4-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by a male cleaner at their school. School should be as safe a place for children as their own home. This act should be meted out with the strictest punishment…
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 20, 2024
Several protests erupted in Badlapur on Tuesday over the attack, with local train services on the Mumbai Central line temporarily suspended as “delayed” police intervention triggered protests. Videos were shared on social media platforms showing angry locals blocking roads and highways.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told media that he had spoken to Thane Police Commissioner and that the suspect had been arrested. He promised a fast investigation and said standard procedures would be put in place to prevent such crimes.
The incidents occurred on August 12th and 13th, but the FIR was not filed until August 16th.
“A stringent criminal case has been registered. Within four hours (of registration of the case), the suspect was arrested. The court has granted police custody of the suspect. A thorough investigation is on. The senior police inspector of the concerned police station is investigating the case himself and he is being assisted by two experienced women police officers. A senior police officer is also supervising the investigation and is ensuring that a robust case is prepared with maximum evidence,” a senior police officer said.
