2 girls sexually assaulted in Thane school, cleaner arrested, huge protest erupts

Two three-year-old girls, studying in the pre-primary classes of a co-ed school in Maharashtra’s Thane District, were allegedly sexually assaulted by a male cleaning staffer in the girls’ toilet.

The police have filed a case and arrested the accused. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured to fast-track the case, adding that a special probe team to investigate the case has already been formed.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the formation of an SIT (Special Investigation Team) led by top police officer Arti Singh will probe the incident.

The assault occurred on August 12–13, when the girls had gone to use the toilet. The incident came to light after both girls refused to go to school because they were scared after what had happened to them. When the parents asked them the reason behind their behaviour, they told them of the sexual assault that took place at the school.

The court sent the accused, Akshay Shinde, to three days of police remand.

The parents of the girls filed a complaint on Friday night, following which the police arrested the accused.

During the probe, the school administration told the police that on the day of the incident, CCTV cameras was not working.

Speaking with news agency ANI, Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said, “We will see to it that the existing safety measures are further strengthened. We are issuing a circular today that CCTVs must be operational in each school. We will appoint a committee based on the Vishaka committee in schools as well. We will fast-track this case and give the strictest punishment to the accused. The school principal, the class teacher and 2 assistants have been suspended. The school also has been served a notice. A woman senior PI who delayed registering a case should be suspended.”

PROTESTORS STOPPED LOCAL TRAINS AT BADLAPUR RAILWAY STATION
The incident triggered widespread protests across Badlapur, with enraged protestors stopping the local train at the Badlapur railway station.

Its been six hours since the agitators have blocked the local trains at the site.

As a part of the protest, shops and other establishments in the Badalpur region remained closed on Tuesday. The school where the alleged sexual assault occurred was also coerced to shut down. Local political leaders, along with supporters, also turned up for the demonstration.

The police arrested the protestors for stone pelting outside the school where the incident took place.

After finding out that their girls were sexually assaulted, the enraged parents, along with a few local people, rushed to the police station to lodge a complaint. However, senior police inspector Shubhada Shitole allegedly delayed the case despite it being a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) case. Following this, the inspector was immediately transferred.

Meanwhile, the school administration has suspended the principal, the class teacher and the staff responsible for transporting the children.