– Protests broke out at Badlapur in Maharashtra’s Thane district over the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old school children by a cleaning staff member and the delay in police action.
– The accused was arrested on August 17 but the parents filed a complaint on August 18.
– The school management has suspended the principal, a class teacher, and a female attendant over the incident.
– Protests turned violent as agitators vandalized the school and pelted stones at the Badlapur railway station.
– Railway services were halted for 10 hours due to the protest, leading to the diversion of long-distance trains and partial cancellation of suburban trains.
– Maharashtra government suspended three police officials for dereliction of duty and set up a Special Investigation Team.
– Maharashtra Chief Minister directed police to file an attempt to rape charge against the accused.
– Committees for the safety of students in schools will be formed, and a review will be done to ensure compliance.
– Political parties and leaders made statements about the incident, with demands for fast-track trial and severe punishment for the accused.