Maharashtra Deputy CM says SIT formed to probe Badlapur sexual assault case

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 20 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the alleged sexual assault on two minors at a school in the Badlapur area of Thane district
Fadnavis also ordered the Thane Police Commissioner to immediately suspend the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable of Badlapur police station who delayed action in the initial stage of the Badlapur incident.
Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "The incident of the sexual assault in Badlapur is very serious. I strongly condemn this incident. The state government has formed an SIT under the leadership of a woman officer of IG rank to investigate the case. The government is trying to get the case to a fast-track court so that a victim's family can get justice as soon as possible."
Taking to his social media handle on X, Devendra Fadnavis posted, "In the Badlapur unfortunate incident, IG rank officer IPS Arti Singh is appointed immediately to conduct the inquiry. A charge sheet will be immediately filed and this matter will be heard in the fast-track court. Our police department will make complete efforts to get such barbaric, inhumane people punished immediately."
The Deputy Chief Minister's Office also took to its official account on X and posted the development.
"Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the Thane Police Commissioner to immediately suspend the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable of Badlapur police station who delayed action in the initial stage of the Badlapur incident," said Office Of Fadnavis on X.
Earlier in the day, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a high-level probe into the incident and said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to investigate the case and that those found guilty would face strict action.
"I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT has already been formed in this matter and we are also going to take action against the school where the incident took place. We are in the process of fast-track this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty," CM Eknath Shinde said while speaking to ANI on Tuesday.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also invoked the Shakti bill after hundreds of protesters blocked trains at the Badlapur Railway station, demonstrating against the alleged sexual assault of two young girls at a school in the state's Badlapur district and said that strict action should be taken against those accused.
Former Chief Minister of the state, Thackeray, said that the incident at Badlapur school should not happen 'anywhere in the country.'
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed that the entire state was outraged by the incident.
"Two young girls were sexually assaulted in Badlapur, Maharashtra, on the school premises. The entire state is outraged and seeks justice. I once again urge the Rashtrapati Bhavan to approve the Maharashtra Shakti Criminal Law, no other child or woman faces this travesty. Shame on the state government for continuing to ignore the safety of women," Chaturvedi said.
She further criticized societal attitudes, saying, "The incident is on school premises. Sick perverts in our society want women to dress in a 'decent way', to step out during 'safe hours' and work in' safe zones', and to take charge of their 'own safety'. What would you say to this?" Chaturvedi said.
Residents in Badlapur also demonstrated protests against the sexual abuse of two minor girls, which occurred last week.
As per reports, the parents learned about the incident on August 18 and filed an FIR.
A massive protest was held at Badlapur Railway Station on Tuesday against the alleged sexual assault incident involving two minor girls at a school in Thane district.
Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said one accused has been arrested in connection with the incident and assured that maximum punishment would be meted out to him.
The alleged sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur has sparked widespread outrage.
On Tuesday, angry residents, demanding justice, began pelting stones at the school, and the situation escalated, prompting police intervention. The authorities used tear gas and other measures to control the crowd and restore order.
The protesters, wearing black clothes, targeted the school in their demonstration. As the chaos subsided, the police were able to apprehend the individuals responsible for the stone-throwing.
The suspects were taken into custody and are being held at the local police station.
The police are continuing their investigation into the assault case and are working to maintain peace in the community. (ANI)