Mumbai

On Monday, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar disclosed that an investigation into the sexual abuse of two four-year-old girls at a Badlapur school found that CCTV footage from the past 15 days was missing. The Maharashtra School Education Department’s inquiry also revealed that CCTV cameras near the washrooms were not working, and the school had not addressed the issue despite being aware of it.

Kesarkar stressed the need for CCTV cameras in all schools and promised to meet the victims’ families to ensure their educational needs are met until graduation, with monthly financial support. The government will provide Rs 10 lakh to the rape victim and Rs 3 lakh to the attempted rape victim, while their identities will remain confidential.

The investigation also found that two school maids, Kamini Gaikar and Nirmala Bhure, who were supposed to supervise the girls, were missing. They are under further investigation, and the class teacher and principal may face legal action for failing to report the incident. The Special Investigation Team, appointed by the state government, is also examining the case, which became public on August 16 amid widespread outrage.

Badlapur rape case: Accused remanded to 14-day judicial custody

Thane

On Monday, a Kalyan Court placed Akshay Shinde, the lone suspect in the Badlapur rape case, into 14 days of judicial custody. Shinde, 23, appeared under heavy security after his second three-day police remand concluded. The case involves two nursery girls, aged 4 and 6, from Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha (AVPS) School, who were allegedly assaulted in the school toilet on August 12-13.

Shinde, arrested on August 17, had his police custody extended on August 26. All Kalyan Bar Association lawyers have refused to represent him. Special Women Judge V. A. Patrawale noted that POCSO charges have been added. In response to public outrage, the Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team, suspended the AVPS board, and is enforcing new safety measures, including mandatory CCTV and staff background checks.