A case of sexual harassment involving a female student at a prominent school in Badlapur, Thane, has sparked major protests. On Tuesday evening, police had to resort to a lathi charge at Badlapur railway station to control the situation. During the lathi charge, the protesters also started throwing stones, but the police managed to disperse the crowd and clear the station.
Police Use Force at Badlapur Railway Station
The protesters refused to end their demonstration despite repeated requests from the police. They had blocked train services for almost nine hours. Minister Girish Mahajan himself visited the railway station and appealed to the protesters to end their protest, assuring them that strict action would be taken against the accused. However, the protesters did not back down, forcing the police to use force.
Protesters Injured During Lathi Charge
Reports indicate that several protesters were injured during the lathi charge, and some were taken into custody by the police. Badlapur railway station has now been turned into a heavily guarded area to prevent further incidents. The police have cleared the station and surrounding areas of protesters.
Situation Remains Tense, Vehicles Vandalized
Protesters also attacked police vehicles, causing significant damage. The situation in Badlapur remains tense, with access to the railway station restricted to the general public. The road traffic between Badlapur and Ambernath has come to a halt due to the protest, and long-distance trains to Mumbai are being diverted through Karjat-Panvel. The Women’s and Child Welfare Commission has taken note of the protests at Badlapur police station.
What Has Happened So Far in the Badlapur Sexual Harassment Case?
- The headmistress of the school involved in the sexual harassment case has been suspended, and two caretakers have been dismissed.
- Police inspectors who delayed registering the case have been transferred.
- The angry mob blocked trains at Badlapur station and threw stones at the police. After nine hours, the police used force to remove the protesters from the tracks.
- Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has announced strict action against the accused and ordered a fast-track court trial.
- The Thane district administration has appealed for calm, urging people not to take the law into their own hands.
- Protesters threw stones at the police on the railway tracks, injuring four to five police officers. They have demanded the death penalty for the accused.
- MNS leader Raj Thackeray questioned why it took 12 hours for the police to register the case.
- Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case, led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh.
- The district administration has shut down internet services in Badlapur to prevent the spread of rumors through WhatsApp and social media.
