Protests Erupt Over Badlapur Incident; Journalist Faces Offensive Remark

A woman journalist alleged that Waman Mhatre, a local leader of the Shiv Sena, made an offensive remark during protests over a sexual abuse incident in Badlapur. The protests erupted over the alleged abuse of two kindergarten girls, drawing widespread condemnation. Mhatre claimed his remarks were misconstrued.

A woman journalist covering protests over the Badlapur sexual abuse incident alleged on Tuesday that a local leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena made an offensive remark, accusing her of acting 'as if she herself had been raped.' Waman Mhatre, the former mayor of Badlapur, however, claimed his remark was misconstrued.

The protests erupted at the Badlapur railway station in Thane district following the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls at a local school last week.

The woman journalist, working for a Marathi daily, told a news channel that while reporting from the tracks, Mhatre confronted her, making 'vulgar' gestures and remarks. She relayed that Mhatre said she was reporting 'as if she herself had been raped,' an accusation she found deeply unacceptable. She emphasized that her reports were based on facts. Mhatre insisted his comments were misunderstood, claiming he urged them to provide factual information to the protesters.

The Mumbai Press Club condemned Mhatre's statements, calling on Chief Minister Shinde to take action against him. The press club accused Mhatre of showing 'blatant disregard for public sentiment' and argued that he unfairly blamed journalists for inciting unrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)