Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called for a Maharashtra bandh on Saturday to protest the recent Badlapur incident, which involved atrocities against women. Thackeray clarified that the bandh, scheduled to last until 2 PM, is focused on ensuring women’s safety and is not politically motivated.
In a statement, the former Chief Minister emphasized the growing concerns regarding the safety of girls in schools. “Many people now feel that girls are not safe in schools. This bandh is for everyone, not just for the Mahavikas Aghadi. Bus and train services should also be halted during the bandh. Regardless of religion or caste, everyone should support this cause for the protection of our daughters and sisters,” Thackeray urged.
Criticizing the Maharashtra government, Thackeray questioned its handling of the situation. “What is happening to our girls? What is the government doing? We are not against welfare schemes like the Ladli Behan Yojana, but the priority should be women’s safety. We will not resort to unlawful actions, but shopkeepers should also support the bandh by closing their shops in solidarity,” he stated.
Thackeray expressed disappointment over the authorities’ inaction and emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable. “Had the police acted appropriately, we wouldn’t need to stage this protest. Even the court has reprimanded the authorities. People have the right to question the government, and when they are left with no options, the judiciary is their only recourse,” he said.
Earlier, in a post on X, Thackeray announced, “The Maha Vikas Aghadi has called for a Maharashtra bandh on August 24 to protest against the Badlapur incident. This bandh is not political but a stand against the ongoing perversity.”
Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Badlapur sexual assault case involving minors has filed an FIR against the school authorities for failing to report the incident to the police, as required under Section 19 of the POCSO Act. The Act mandates that any authority aware of such offenses must immediately inform law enforcement for further action, the SIT stated.