Riteish Deshmukh took to his X account to express his profound distress and anger over the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra.
Riteish Deshmukh. Pic/Yogen Shah
Renowned actor Riteish Deshmukh has vocally expressed his shock and anger over a deeply disturbing incident in Badlapur, Maharashtra, where two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted. This harrowing episode has cast a dark cloud over the region, coming just days after the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Taking to his X account on Tuesday, Riteish Deshmukh did not hold back his emotions. The father of two young boys, he conveyed his profound pain and frustration: “As a parent am absolutely disgusted, pained and raging with anger!! Two 4-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by the male cleaning staff member of the school. Schools are supposed to be as safe a place for kids as their own homes. Harshest punishment needs to be given to this demon.”
The actor didn’t stop at expressing his personal anguish. He went on to demand the strictest possible punishment for the perpetrator, evoking historical justice measures to emphasize the gravity of the situation. Deshmukh added, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his times gave the guilty what they deserved – Chaurang- we need these laws back in action. #BadlapurCrime.”
The incident in Badlapur has rightfully set off a wave of widespread outrage across Maharashtra, a state already grappling with its fair share of grim news. Both the government and civil society have responded with urgency.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, has taken swift action in response to public outcry and the severity of the case. He has ordered a high-level investigation, ensuring that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is formed to conduct a thorough probe. “I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT has already been formed, and we are also going to take action against the school where the incident took place. We are in the process of fast-tracking this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty,” Shinde told ANI.
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The SIT, spearheaded by Inspector General of Police-level senior IPS officer Arti Singh, aims to leave no stone unturned in this investigation. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, supporting the Chief Minister, emphasized the need for speedy and thorough justice.
Meanwhile, the issue has gained traction among political leaders beyond the current administration. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also chimed in, pointing to the legislative efforts of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Thackeray lamented that the ‘Shakti Bill,’ which specifically addresses crimes against women, was thwarted by political shifts in the state. He indirectly criticized the current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, suggesting political dynamics had delayed crucial legal reforms.
Public sentiment has been boiling over, manifesting early in the form of large-scale protests. Earlier in the day, Badlapur Railway Station witnessed a significant demonstration as protestors blocked tracks, bringing local train services to a screeching halt. These demonstrators were vocal in their condemnation of the alleged sexual assault and demanded immediate action.
The protests, however, took a violent turn with incidents of stone pelting reported. Law enforcement had to resort to lathi-charge and tear gas to dispel the crowd and bring back order.
This outpouring of public grief and anger underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and security of children in educational institutions. The incident has rattled the community, making it clear that the sanctity of schools as safe spaces has been profoundly violated.
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As the events continue to unfold, stay tuned for more updates on what promises to be a pivotal case not just for Maharashtra but for the broader national discourse on child safety and justice.
