Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has expressed his outrage over the sexual assault of two young girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The incident, which took place on August 12, has sparked widespread protests and calls for justice.
Heinous Crime Shakes the Nation
According to reports, two kindergarten girls, aged three and four, were sexually assaulted by a male cleaning staff member in the school toilet. The girls bravely confided in their parents about the horrific incident, leading to the arrest of the accused on August 17.
Riteish Deshmukh Condemns the Act
Riteish Deshmukh, who is also a parent, took to social media platform X to voice his anger and demand strict action against the perpetrator. In his post, he wrote, “As a parent am absolutely disgusted, pained and raging with anger!! Two 4 year old girls were sexually assaulted by the male cleaning staff member of the school. Schools are supposed to be as safe a place for kids as their own homes.”
ALSO READ: Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: Randeep Hooda Calls for Severe Punishment for the Perpetrator
Calls for Chaurang Punishment
Riteish Deshmukh further stated that the “harshest punishment needs to be given to this demon.” He invoked the name of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who had introduced the stringent “chaurang” punishment in his times, and called for the reinstatement of such laws to deter such heinous crimes in the future.
Protests and Demands for Justice
The news of the sexual assault has triggered massive protests across Badlapur and Thane district. Parents and local residents gathered at the Badlapur railway station, creating a blockade to highlight their demands for justice and strict action against the accused. The protest disrupted train services, with several Mail Express trains being diverted via Karjat-Panvel-Thane station.
Legal Action and Government Response
The accused, identified as Akshay Shinde, has been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to rape, assault, and sexual harassment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered the police to impose the attempt to rape charge against the accused and assured a fast-track probe. He also announced the appointment of a special public prosecutor for the case.
Calls for Stricter Measures
The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for stricter measures to ensure the safety of children in schools. Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced the formation of “Vishakha committees” in schools and stated that schools will face action if CCTV cameras on their premises are found to be non-functional. NCP leader Anil Deshmukh suggested that there should be an attendant with young girls whenever they go to the washroom in schools.
Suspension of School Staff
The management of the school where the incident took place has suspended its principal and two staff members. This action comes in the wake of allegations that the parents of the victims were made to wait 11 hours at the Badlapur police station before their complaints were filed.
Calls for Stronger Laws and Reforms
The incident has reignited the debate about the need for stronger laws and reforms to protect children from sexual abuse. Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray invoked the Shakti Bill, asserting that he would have passed it himself if not for the government being toppled by rebels. The opposition has also criticized the government’s handling of the case, with claims that the parents of the victims were made to wait for hours before their complaints were filed.
Conclusion
The sexual assault case in Badlapur has shaken the nation and highlighted the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of children in schools. Riteish Deshmukh’s powerful words have resonated with many, and his call for harsh punishment and the reinstatement of stringent laws reflects the public sentiment. As the investigation progresses and the government takes measures to address the issue, it is crucial that such heinous crimes are prevented, and justice is served swiftly to restore faith in the system and provide solace to the victims and their families.