In response to the public outcry over the sexual assault of two young girls in Badlapur, the Maharashtra government has proposed the installation of panic buttons in schools and hostels to enhance safety measures for women and children.
Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced the initiative, stating, “Similar to CCTV cameras in schools, we propose the installation of panic buttons. These devices could also be set up in hostels as part of advanced safety technology.”
The proposal comes after a thorough investigation into the Badlapur incident, led by the deputy director of the Mumbai region. Kesarkar noted that the investigation involved personnel from various departments. He added that the police will determine the specific legal charges and that those found negligent will be held accountable.
The case dates back to August 16, when two four-year-old girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by a 23-year-old school cleaning staff member, Akshay Shinde, inside the girls’ toilet at their Badlapur school. Shinde was arrested following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against him.
A detailed report on the assault by the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Education Ministry has been submitted to Kesarkar for further action. This report is part of the ongoing investigation where the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has filed an FIR against the school authorities for failing to adhere to Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This section requires that any authority aware of child sexual abuse must immediately report it to the police.
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The SIT has also recorded statements from the victims and their families. Akshay Shinde, who was an attendant at the school, was arrested on August 17 and is currently in judicial custody for 14 days, as ordered by the Kalyan court. The SIT has requested a Test Identification Parade (TI Parade) to allow the victims to identify Shinde. An Executive Magistrate will oversee this process. The investigation is also scrutinizing the accused’s digital footprint, and statements from Shinde’s two wives have been recorded, with a third expected to be interviewed soon.
