The Bombay High Court has expressed severe criticism of the Maharashtra police’s handling of the molestation case involving two young girls in Badlapur, highlighting significant failures in their response. The case, which involves the sexual assault of two kindergarten students, has drawn widespread public outrage and led to significant legal and administrative repercussions.
Incident Overview
The tragic incident took place at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra, where two girls, aged three and four, were sexually assaulted by a cleaning staff member. The alleged assaults occurred between August 12 and 13, 2024, and the accused, identified as Akshay Shinde, was arrested on August 17, 2024.
High Court’s Criticism
The Bombay High Court, while hearing the case, condemned the delayed action taken by the police and pointed out that the authorities acted only after the public outrage became evident. The Court was particularly concerned with the delay in recording the statement of the second victim, a critical step in such sensitive cases. Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan, presiding over the matter, questioned the police’s commitment to protecting minors and ensuring justice
The Court noted that the police made the families of the victims wait for hours before filing an FIR, a delay that not only compounded the trauma of the victims’ families but also raised questions about the police’s sensitivity and procedural adherence. The Court stressed that such negligence discourages victims and their families from approaching law enforcement in the future
Administrative and Legal Actions
In response to the public outcry and the High Court’s directive, the Maharashtra government has taken several actions. These include suspending three police officers, including a senior inspector, for their mishandling of the case. The government has also set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a senior IPS officer, Arti Singh, to ensure a thorough investigation.
The High Court has instructed the government to take appropriate action against the school authorities for their failure to report the crime promptly, as required under the Protection of Chil(
).dren from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Court has emphasized the need for swift and decisive action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Public and Political Response
The case has triggered widespread protests, with citizens expressing their anger and frustration over the perceived apathy of the authorities. On August 22, 2024, thousands of people took to the streets, even blocking local train services at the Badlapur railway station. The opposition parties have also criticized the government for its slow response, underscoring the public’s demand for accountability and justice.
Conclusion
The Bombay High Court’s stern remarks and the subsequent actions taken by the state government highlight the critical need for systemic reforms in handling cases of sexual abuse, especially involving minors. The Badlapur molestation case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely and sensitive responses by law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for victims and to restore public confidence in the legal system. The ongoing investigation by the SIT will be crucial in uncovering the full extent of the failures and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
