Maharashtra Police has arrested over 40 individuals and registered FIRs against 300 others following a massive protest in Badlapur over the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls. The protests, which erupted on Tuesday, led to stone-pelting, train service disruptions, and a police lathi-charge. The arrested individuals are set to appear in court on Wednesday.
In response to the unrest, Maharashtra Police have increased security at the Badlapur railway station, deploying personnel to prevent further incidents. Internet services have been suspended in the area, and shops have been ordered to remain closed. DCP Manoj Patil of the Railway Police confirmed that the situation has returned to normal, with train services resuming late Tuesday night after a 10-hour halt. Patil stated, “The situation is normal now. Railway movement is also normal. No section has been imposed. Internet services will be suspended for a few days to prevent the spread of rumors.”
The protests began after police arrested a school attendant on August 17 for the alleged sexual assault of two fourth-grade girls in Badlapur. The incident sparked outrage among residents, leading to a blockade of the railway tracks at Badlapur station. The disruption caused the diversion of 12 mail express trains and the partial cancellation of 30 local trains.
Earlier on Tuesday, police resorted to tear gas to disperse angry residents who began pelting stones at the school where the crime took place.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the incident and announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. He also ordered the immediate suspension of the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable of Badlapur police station for delaying action in the initial stages of the investigation.
Fadnavis, addressing the issue on social media platform X, stated, “In the unfortunate Badlapur incident, IG rank officer IPS Arti Singh has been appointed immediately to conduct the inquiry. A charge sheet will be filed promptly, and the case will be heard in a fast-track court. Our police department will make every effort to ensure that such barbaric, inhumane individuals are punished immediately.”
