Mumbai

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde accused the Badlapur protest, which was held in response to the sexual abuse of two four-year-old girls, of being driven by political motives. Shinde asserted that the demonstration, which included blocking trains, had minimal local involvement and was largely orchestrated by opposition parties to damage the reputation of the MahaYuti government.

Shinde criticized the opposition for exploiting the serious issue of child abuse for political gain. He pointed out that the protest caused major disruptions for railway passengers and noted that the government had already addressed the protesters’ concerns. Despite this, the protests continued, including criticism of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana during the demonstrations.

The Chief Minister assured that the Badlapur case would be dealt with rigorously. He confirmed that the police were instructed to pursue severe penalties for the accused and that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established to expedite the investigation. He also mentioned the suspension of police officers who delayed registering the case. To enhance safety, the government plans to introduce measures such as appointing women staff at schools, launching self-defense campaigns, and verifying school employees.

Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced new safety protocols for schools, including safety committees and monthly reviews to protect girls.