Accused in Badlapur Sexual Assault Case Sent to 14-Day Judicial Custody Amid Outrage

The accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case was sent to judicial custody for 14 days by the Kalyan Court on Monday. Previously, the accused had been in police custody.

In response to public outrage over the alleged sexual assault of two fourth-grade girls at a school in Maharashtra’s Badlapur, Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar suggested on Monday that panic buttons, similar to CCTVs, could be installed in schools and hostels to enhance women’s safety.

On August 23, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Badlapur sexual assault case filed an FIR against the school authorities for failing to comply with Section 19 of the POCSO Act. This provision requires authorities to report any knowledge of sexual assault against minors to the police.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Kesarkar stated, “Just like CCTVs in schools, panic buttons can also be installed… A panic button can also be installed in hostels… It is an advanced technology.”

He further explained that under the leadership of the deputy director of the Mumbai region, an investigation team from various departments is probing the Badlapur incident. “The police will decide under which sections the cases will be filed. Those found negligent have been identified as co-accused and will also face consequences,” Kesarkar added.

Criticizing the opposition, Kesarkar remarked, “Those who are criticizing now did nothing during their regime. We are taking action.”

A report prepared by the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Education Ministry on the sexual abuse case in Badlapur was handed over to Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar on Monday.