On Tuesday night, authorities registered four FIRs against approximately 500 protesters and arrested over 66 individuals in connection with the unrest in Badlapur, Thane district, Maharashtra. The protests were sparked by the sexual abuse of two four-year-old girls, allegedly perpetrated by a school janitor.
Thane police and the Government Railway Police (GRP) stated that additional arrests will be made after reviewing CCTV footage. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sudhakar Pathare from Badlapur reported that the arrested individuals face charges related to rioting, damaging public property, and assaulting public servants. He urged the public to avoid spreading or believing in rumors and to report any sensitive information directly to the police.
In response to the situation, internet services in Badlapur were suspended from Tuesday evening to prevent the spread of misinformation on social media. The suspension is expected to continue through Wednesday.
Manoj Patil, DCP of GRP, confirmed that train services, which were halted for 10 hours on Tuesday due to the protests, have resumed with enhanced security measures.
The protests saw thousands of residents gather at Badlapur railway station, blocking local trains in outrage over the sexual abuse incident. The accused, Akshay Shinde, has been arrested. Demonstrators also took to the streets, obstructing key roads and highways and throwing objects at police officers and the school where the incident took place. Protesters carried banners criticizing the Maharashtra Government’s recent Ladki Bahin Yojana and demanded stronger protections for women.
