Mumbai

The Bombay High Court on Thursday strongly criticized Maharashtra Police and school authorities for mishandling the Badlapur rape case involving two nursery girls. The court, taking suo motu notice based on source reports, expressed outrage over the police’s poor handling and the Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha (AVPS) for failing to report the crime promptly.

Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Prithviraj K. Chavan pointed out that many similar cases remain unreported due to the immense courage required from victims. They condemned the police’s delay in recording statements and filing the FIR, which discourages victims from coming forward. The court stressed the need for better police sensitivity in handling such cases.

The judges were dismayed that the second victim’s statement was not recorded, and the FIR was filed only after a long delay. They demanded that the police ensure prompt registration of FIRs and proper handling of sexual offense cases. Advocate-General Birendra Saraf and Chief Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar assured that the responsible police officials have been suspended and that an SIT led by IGP Aarti Singh is now investigating the case. The prime suspect, Akshay Shinde, has been arrested and is in custody until August 24.

The case, which has sparked significant public outrage and protests in Badlapur, has also attracted political scrutiny. The court has directed that all case files be submitted for review and scheduled the next hearing for August 27.

Uddhav Thackeray attacks CM, questions women’s safety

Shiv Sena (UBT) President and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray harshly criticized CM Eknath Shinde on Thursday over the Badlapur rape case. Thackeray accused Shinde of being insensitive and claimed that the CM’s recent schemes, like the ‘Ladki Bahin’ initiative, are mere vote-gathering tactics rather than genuine efforts to improve women’s safety. He emphasized that the rise in attacks against women shows the need for real security measures rather than superficial gestures.

Thackeray condemned the police’s handling of the Badlapur protests and questioned the government’s response. He called for an investigation into the delays and mishandling of the case. Thackeray also challenged CM Shinde’s claims about swift justice for rapists and criticized Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis for avoiding responsibility. He announced a Maharashtra Bandh on August 24 to protest these issues and urged public participation.

MVA demands Maha CM name rapist hanged in two months

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Thursday challenged Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s recent claim about a rapist being hanged within two months. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut criticized Shinde for allegedly spreading false information during a function where he launched the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. Shinde had asserted that a rapist was tried and executed in just two months through a fast-track court.

Wadettiwar demanded Shinde provide details about this case, while Raut accused him of fabricating stories and failing to address recent issues like the Badlapur rape case. Both leaders urged Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan to investigate Shinde’s claims and hold the government accountable for its misleading statements and lack of action.