Thane School Case Live Updates: Bombay high court slams Badlapur police, says you took action only after public outcry

Thane School Case Live Updates: 'My innocent son falsely implicated in case', claim parents of accused

The parents of the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case on Thursday claimed that their son was innocent and he had been framed. Speaking to a Marathi news channel, the parents said there is no truth in the allegations against their son.“Our son had been doing the job for the past 15 days. He used to go to the school by 11 am daily to clean the bathroom. He would then proceed to another place for similar work,” she claimed. The mother claimed that the accused had some medical issues in his childhood and was mentally weak. But he has taken medicines for that, she said. (PTI)

Thane School Case Live Updates: Give him death penalty if guilty, says mother of accused in Badlapur sexual abuse case

"If my son has done something wrong, then the court should give him the death penalty," said the mother of the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case on Thursday. She said it was unlikely that her son assaulted the children.

The accused married thrice in the last two years, and his third wife is five months pregnant.

The mother works as a cleaner in a different section of the school. Recently, her younger son, who used to work in the school, became a peon in a different section. He then got the suspect to work as a sweeper in the school.

The accused lives with his mother, father, younger brother, and his wife in Kharvai village of Badlapur. After a crowd vandalised their residence on Tuesday, the family are scared for their life. The police have increased the security outside the residence.

Before working as a sweeper in the school, the accused used to work as a cleaner in a private housing society with his mother. His first two wives left him soon after marriage, said sources.

The SIT formed for the case has set up eight teams. The SIT visited the school on Thursday and recorded the statement of two woman attendants who were suspended by the school. The SIT also collected other technical details and seized the digital video recorder, which the school said was not functioning for 15 days before the incident came to light.

The SIT will look into the opposition allegation that the accused deliberately deleted the footage to hide evidence.

Thane School Case Live Updates: Latur Congress protests against Badlapur school sexual assault incident

The women's wing of Congress' Latur unit on Thursday held a protest in connection with the sexual assault on two minor girls at a school in Badlapur in Thane district. On August 12 and 13, a male attendant allegedly assaulted two four-year-old girls in the school's washroom. An FIR was only lodged on August 16, and the accused was arrested the following day. The protesters gathered at Gandhi Chowk here holding banners and shouting slogans seeking justice for the victims and also admonishing the state government for rising crimes against women. They submitted a memorandum to the authorities and sought special safety measures in schools and colleges to prevent such incidents. (PTI)

Thane School Case Live Updates: Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Badlapur alleged sexual assault case

On Badlapur alleged sexual assault case, Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole says, "...As far as the SIT is concerned, we have doubts about IPS officer Arti Singh. They have appointed Ujjwal Nikam as Special Prosecutor, but he is already a BJP worker. So, both of them should be replaced and there should be justice. This is our stand..."

Thane School Case Live Updates: Uddhav Thackeray asks for Bandh support, calls CM Eknath Shinde 'pervert'

Former chief minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray appealed to people to come out in support of the bandh on Saturday, called by the MVA against the Maharashtra govt. Read more

Thane School Molestation Case Live

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said those who feel there is politics behind Tuesday's Badlapur protest over the alleged sexual assault on two kindergarten girls are either abnormal or protectors of the culprits. He said there is no political motive behind the bandh called by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on August 24. The bandh is aimed at creating the awareness that the security of women should be a priority and also "awakening" the government.

Badlapur School Case Live: 'Those who feel there is politics behind Badlapur protest are either abnormal or protectors of the culprits'

Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray launched a scathing attack on CM Eknath Shinde over the Badlapur horror, accusing him of ‘crooked mentality and insensitivity’ to peoples’ emotions. He said, "there is no political motive behind MVA's bandh call on August 24." Thackeray added that such incidents of atrocities against women are increasing in the state, “keeping quiet will no longer help” as the priority is to ensure the safety and security of our mothers, sisters and daughters.

There cannot be a compromise on safety, security of girls: Bombay high court

The Bombay high court has expressed shock and concern over the sexual assault on two minor girls at their school in Badlapur, stressing that there can be no compromise on the safety and security of girls. The Honorable Court criticized the school authorities for not reporting the incident and censured the police for their delays in handling the case. A division bench consisting of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan emphasized the need for action against school authorities who failed to report the incident despite being aware. Additionally, the bench criticized the police for the delay in registering the First Information Report (FIR). Read more

Thane School Molestation Case Live: Protesters in Badlapur were locals, not outsiders, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has said that those who had protested at Badlapur were locals and not outsiders as claimed by the Maharashtra government. Raut shared a copy of the police remand application of the people arrested for rioting at Badlapur station which said that most of the protesters were locals.

Badlapur School Case Live: Next hearing for Sexual assault Case scheduled for August 27

The bench has scheduled the next hearing for Tuesday, August 27, to review the affidavit from the state government detailing the steps taken by Badlapur Police before the case was handed over to the SIT.

Badlapur School Case Live: Unless there is strong public outburst, machinery won't move, says Bombay high court

Bombay high court expressed its dissatisfaction with the police's inaction until the public took to the streets in protest. "Unless there is strong public outburst, machinery won't move. Won't the state move till public outbursts like this," the court asked. The bench was shocked to discover that the Badlapur police had conducted an inadequate investigation into the case. The court raised concerns about the police's casual approach to such grave incidents involving the sexual assault of young girls aged three and four.

Badlapur School Case Live

Union minister Piyush Goyal has condemned the alleged sexual assault of two girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra, and called for strict punishment for the accused. Following his visit to Malad Chinchvali Marathi School, Goyal emphasized that those responsible should face immediate and severe action to deter similar incidents in the future. The incident, which took place on August 17, led to the arrest of a school attendant and has sparked significant outrage in Badlapur.

Uddhav urges people to participate in Saturday's bandh

Former chief minister and Shiv Sena's UBT faction leader Uddhav Thackeray has urged people to come out and participate in the bandh on Saturday.

SIT members reach Badlapur school for probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing the Badlapur child abuse case reached the school for investigation.

Thane School Molestation Case Live: Bombay high court orders victim counselling and strict safety guidelines for schools

The court issued an order expecting the provision of all legal assistance and counseling to the victims and their families. The court also emphasised the legal requirement for counseling victims and their families. Advocate General Birendra Saraf for the state government assured the court, "We will not only issue guidelines regarding student safety but also ensure their implementation in all schools. We will take all necessary measures to achieve this." He further stated that any dereliction of duty in the current case would result in strict action. Justice Mohite-Dere expressed the court's expectations, stating, "We expect you not only record section 164 statements of the victim girls but also of the families. We want to see the case file by next date. We want to see what investigation was done by the Badlapur Police, on the next date itself."

Badlapur School Case Live: 'If school is not a safe place what's the use of speaking right to education', says Bombay high court

Bombay high court expressed shock and dismay during the hearing of the Badlapur sexual assault case. Justice Mohite-Dere questioned the safety of schools, remarking, "If the school is not a safe place, then what is the use of speaking about right to education and such things. Even 4-year-old girls are not being spared. What is this situation? It is extremely shocking."

Thane School Molestation Case Live: Son falsely implicated, claim parents of accused

The parents of the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case claimed that their son was innocent and he had been framed. Speaking to a Marathi news channel, the parents said there is no truth in the allegations against their son.

Badlapur School Case Live: Bombay high court slams Badlapur cops, says why second girl's father's statement was not taken?

The Bombay high court, consisting of a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan, raised concerns regarding the investigation conducted by the state police in a case involving two victim girls. The bench specifically inquired about the reasons behind the failure to record the statement of the second victim girl.

The court sought information from the police regarding the measures implemented to ensure the security and safety of the victim girls.

Thane School Molestation Case Live: 'School chose cover-up over helping parents'

The Badlapur school, where two young girls were allegedly sexually abused, preferred to cover up the crime instead of helping their parents file a police complaint, said Susieben Shah, chairperson of Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, on Wednesday. The alleged crime by a male attendant created a volatile situation in the town of Thane district on Tuesday, with protesting parents and locals crippling rail services and clashing with police.
Shah stressed the urgency of the matter, saying that the alleged sexual abuse of the two kindergarten students is a clear case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act. After learning about the incident, the state child rights panel chief said, she contacted the Thane District Child Protection Unit about the parents' concerns.

Thane School Molestation Case Live: DGP assures justice to victims and families

In view of the alleged sexual assault on two girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra DGP Rashmi Shukla on Wednesday affirmed the police force's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens by going the extra mile. In a statement posted on the official X handle @DGPMaharashtra, DGP Shukla stated that the investigation into the Badlapur case is being conducted with the utmost diligence. "We will leave no stone unturned in delivering justice to innocent children and their families," Shukla said.

Thane school molestation case Live: Incident unfortunate, protest was people's angry reaction, says Sharad Pawar

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday termed the incident of sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls at a school in Badlapur as unfortunate, and said the protests in its aftermath showed people's anger. Speaking to reporters at the party office here, Pawar said thousands of people took to the streets and stopped railway services on Tuesday as a reaction to the unfortunate incident. It showed there was tremendous unrest among people as the government did not pay heed to the crime as it should have, the senior politician said.

Badlapur School Case Live: Outsiders staged protests in Badlapur, says Maharashtra minister

Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai on Wednesday claimed that the protesters who blocked the railway traffic at Badlapur in the district following the incident of sexual abuse of two girls at a local school were outsiders. Probe was on to find out who was behind the violent protests, he said. Desai, who is also the guardian minister of the district, was speaking to reporters after visiting Badlapur, over 50 km from Mumbai. The "rioters and protesters" were outsiders and not locals, he claimed.

Internet services shut in Badlapur

The alleged sexual assault of the two kindergarten students by a male attendant had sparked a massive protest in Badlapur on Tuesday. The authorities on Wednesday suspended internet services in the town. Police said they have arrested 72 persons in connection with the violence during the stir. The male attendant, who was arrested on August 17, allegedly assaulted the kids in the school's toilet. A local court on Wednesday extended his police custody till August 26. The government has ordered the formation of a special investigation team (SIT) headed by senior IPS officer Arti Singh to probe into the alleged sexual assault of the KG girl students.

Bombay HC takes suo motu cognisance; hearing on Thursday

The Bombay high court has taken suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district. A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan will take up the matter for hearing on Thursday. The alleged sexual assault of the two kindergarten students by a male attendant had sparked a massive protest in Badlapur on Tuesday. The authorities on Wednesday suspended internet services in the town. Police said they have arrested 72 persons in connection with the violence during the stir. The male attendant, who was arrested on August 17, allegedly assaulted the kids in the school's toilet. A local court on Wednesday extended his police custody till August 26.

Badlapur sexual assault: Bombay high court takes suo motu cognizance

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj Chavan will be hearing the matter tomorrow (Thursday) morning, Live Law reported.

Badlapur sexual assault: Outsiders staged protests, says minister

Maharashtra minister Shambhuraj Desai asserted that the individuals who blocked railway traffic in Badlapur following the sexual abuse of two girls at a local school were outsiders. He stated that an investigation is underway to determine who orchestrated the violent protests. Desai, who also serves as the district's guardian minister, made these remarks after visiting Badlapur, located over 50 km from Mumbai. He criticized the school management for failing to conduct police verification of the staff hired from outside agencies, noting that the accused, a school attendant, was employed through such a channel. Meanwhile, Ambernath tehsildar Amit Puri reported that the school involved in the incident remained closed on Wednesday, with the decision on when to resume classes left to the school management. The school had been vandalized by a mob the previous day.

Badlapur sexual assault: Protest spontaneous outburst of public anger; school linked to BJP leader, says Shiv Sena (UBT)

"The protests (in Badlapur) were spontaneous and reflected the people's anger. Their (the government's) vision is blurred, so people will give them a befitting reply," the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve told reporters.

Badlapur sexual assault: Court extends police custody accused till Aug 26

On Wednesday, a local court extended the police custody of a man accused of sexually abusing two girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra, until August 26. The accused, a school attendant, was presented before a Kalyan magistrate under heavy security. In response to the incident, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a statewide "Maharashtra bandh" on August 24 to protest the alleged assault. Additionally, the Maharashtra education department has mandated that all schools install CCTV cameras within the next month. The Kalyan Bar Association has urged its members not to represent the accused. Preliminary investigations indicate that some anti-social elements may have exploited the protest in Badlapur earlier in the week.

Badlapur sexual assault: Rahul Gandhi says 'not filing an FIR not only discourages the victims but also encourages the criminals'

"After West Bengal, UP, Bihar, the shameful crimes against daughters in Maharashtra also force us to think where are we heading as a society? After the crime against two innocent people in Badlapur, the first step to give them justice was not taken until the public came out on the streets demanding justice. Will we now have to protest to even register an FIR? Why has it become so difficult for victims to even go to the police station?," he said in a post on X.

"More efforts are made to hide crime than to provide justice, the biggest victims of which are women and people of weaker sections. Not filing an FIR not only discourages the victims but also encourages the criminals. All governments, citizens and political parties will have to seriously brainstorm on what steps should be taken to provide a safe environment to women in the society. Justice is the right of every citizen; he cannot be made dependent on the will of the police and administration," he added.

Badlapur sexual assault: State child rights panel chief condemns the act

Susieben Shah, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, condemned the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra.

"The incident that happened in Badalpur yesterday is very condemnable. Yesterday I visited the school and also enquired there and we felt that there were some shortcomings in all sections," Shah told ANI.

"Unless we create a separate structure for children and women, I don't think there will be much difference because in every district, in every taluka, the number of women and children is 70% and in every district, 15% of the crime is against women and children and that is why a separate structure is needed," Shah added.

Badlapur sexual assault: Government itself is doing politics, says Congress

"The government itself is doing politics in this (Badlapur incident). The biggest state where crime against children takes place is Maharashtra. 21,000 such incidents have happened in the state and the government is hiding them. On August 24 we have called for Maharashtra Bandh," Nana Patole told reporters.

Badlapur sexual assault: MVA calls for Maharashtra bandh on August 24 to

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Wednesday called for a "Maharashtra bandh" on August 24 to protest against the alleged sexual assault on two young girls at a school in Badlapur of Thane district. MVA allies – Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) headed by Sharad Pawar – took the decision after a meeting here, said Vijay Wadettiwar, leader of opposition in the state assembly. He said all MVA allies will participate in the bandh on August 24.

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: Shiv Sena (UBT) supporters protest in Mumbai's Dadar

Supporters of Shiv Sena UBT shout slogans during a demonstration to protest against the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old school children by a cleaning staff member at Badlapur, at Sena bhavan Dadar in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) party workers staged protest in Navi Mumbai

Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) party workers staged a protest against the Maharashtra government over the Badlapur incident at Shivaji Chowk Vashi in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

Badlapur Sexual Abuse Live: Maharashtra govt appoints senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as special prosecutor for Badlapur case

The state government has appointed senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as a special public prosecutor to run the case of sexual abuse of Badlapur school girls in the fast track court.

Badlapur protest was politically motivated: CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday claimed that the protest at Badlapur in Thane district over the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls was politically motivated and aimed at maligning the state government. He also said that the majority of protesters were outsiders. Talking to reporters, Shinde targeted the opposition and said those doing politics over the incident should be ashamed. A massive protest broke out in Badlapur town on Tuesday as angry parents, local residents and others blocked railway tracks and ransacked the school where two kindergarten girl students were sexually abused by a male attendant last week.

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam reaches Badlapur police station.

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: 'Take action against Shiv Sena leader Vaman Mhatre for offensive remark to reporter covering Badlapur case'

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, along with her supporters, sat outside the Badlapur police station. She has demanded action against Shiv Sena leader Vaman Mhatre. Andhare stated that she will not leave the police station until a case is registered against Mhatre, who is accused of making an offensive remark to a female reporter covering the Badlapur sexual abuse case.

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: 'Take action against Shiv Sena leader Vaman Mhatre for offensive remark to reporter covering Badlapur case'

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, along with her supporters, sat outside the Badlapur police station. She has demanded action against Shiv Sena leader Vaman Mhatre. Andhare stated that she will not leave the police station until a case is registered against Mhatre, who is accused of making an offensive remark to a female reporter covering the Badlapur sexual abuse case.

Thane School Case Live: 'Why the FIR was delayed and on whose instruction, it was delayed'

People are angered over the incident that happened in Badlapur against a minor and the reason was that the FIR was filed after 13 hours, despite the matter being sensitive. There was an attempt to delay the FIR. I want to ask as former home minister, why the FIR was delayed and on whose instruction, it was delayed. Inquiry committee was formed, it should be done on fast track. We brought the 'Shakti Kayda', making a provision for capital punishment. We sent it for approval from Centre. But there was no decision. We have been raising it but it has not been approved. I urge the BJP leaders to get it approved, so many incidents happening. When it will be brought, nobody would dare to commit such crime: NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: The Kalyan Bar Association has refused to take the case of accused Akshay Shinde

Thane School Case Live: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare along with party workers took out a protest at the Badlapur police station.

Thane School Case Live: Chitra Wagh came to meet the officers at Badlapur police station.

Badlapur School Case Live: 'The protest that took place in Badlapur on Tuesday was attended by local people of Badlapur till 10am, later many people from Mumbai joined the protest'

BJP leader Chitra Wagh alleges that according to the police, the protest that took place in Badlapur on Tuesday was attended by local people of Badlapur till 10am but later many people from Mumbai joined the protest. She alleges that the protest was instigated to defame the Mahayuti government. Posters were brought against the Ladli Behan Yojana in the protest. Wagh said that the police has taken every possible action in this case. Wagh also said that since the girls are young, it took time to take statements from them and understand what happened, due to which it took time to register the case.

Thane School Case Live: Shiv Sena (UBT) workers protest in Dombivli

Shiv Sena (UBT) workers are protesting in Dombivli regarding the incident that happened in Badlapur.

Maharashtra Sexual Abuse Live: Accused sent to police custody till August 26