In a disturbing incident that has shaken the community of Badlapur in Maharashtra’s Thane district, the principal and two staff members of an English medium school have been suspended following allegations of sexual abuse involving two young girls. The school’s management took this step after outraged parents staged a protest, blocking the Badlapur railway station on Tuesday morning to demand stringent action against the accused.
The protest began around 8 a.m., as a large group of parents and local residents gathered at the railway station, disrupting train services on both the Up and Down routes. The demonstrators sought to draw attention to the alleged abuse and the perceived lack of swift action by the authorities.
The incident in question involves two kindergarten students, aged three and four, who were allegedly sexually abused by a member of the school’s cleaning staff. The parents of the girls reported that their children had been inappropriately touched by the attendant, prompting them to file a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The police have since arrested the accused attendant.
Reacting to the gravity of the situation, the school management announced late Monday that the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant had been suspended for their roles in the incident. The management also issued a public apology and blacklisted the housekeeping firm that employed the accused staff member. They further promised to enhance vigilance and security on the school premises to prevent such incidents in the future.
In addition to the suspensions, the Badlapur police have faced criticism for their initial response to the parents’ complaints. The police station in-charge has been transferred amid allegations of inaction, which have fueled further anger among the parents and the local community.
On Tuesday morning, the protests escalated as parents, joined by a large number of local women, marched from the school to the railway tracks. Carrying banners and placards, they chanted slogans demanding accountability and strict action against those responsible for the alleged abuse and the subsequent mishandling of the situation by the authorities.
The protest created significant challenges for the police and other authorities, who worked to manage the situation and calm the protesters. Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila acknowledged the disruption, confirming that the agitation was linked to the incident at the Badlapur school.
In response to the public outcry, several organizations have called for a bandh in Badlapur, further highlighting the community’s demand for justice. Local MLA Kisan Kathore has also intervened, urging the authorities to take strong action not only against the accused but also against any police personnel who may have failed in their duty to protect the victims and respond promptly to the parents’ concerns.
This tragic incident serves as a harsh reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures in schools, particularly regarding the screening and supervision of staff. It also underscores the importance of a timely and effective response from both school authorities and law enforcement when such serious allegations arise.
