Maharashtra Police Arrest 40 Amidst Massive Protests Over Alleged Sexual Assault in Badlapur

In response to the massive protests following the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls, Maharashtra Police have arrested over 40 people and registered FIRs against 300 individuals. The protests led to disruptions in train services and stone-pelting incidents. Security has been heightened and internet services remain suspended.

Maharashtra Police have taken action against more than 40 individuals, arresting them and registering FIRs against 300 people, following massive protests over the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur. The unrest included stone-pelting, train service disruptions, and a lathi-charge on Tuesday. The arrested individuals will be brought to court on Wednesday.

Increased security measures have been implemented at the railway station, with police personnel deployed to prevent any recurrence of Tuesday's outbreak. Internet services have been suspended in Badlapur, and shops have been ordered to close. DCP Manoj Patil of the Railway Police stated that the situation has returned to normal.

Patil remarked, 'The situation is normal now. Railway movement is also normal. No section has been imposed. Internet services will be suspended for a few days to prevent the spread of rumors.' On Tuesday, police used lathi charges to disperse protestors who had blocked the railway track, halting local trains. As a result, 12 mail express trains were diverted and 30 local trains were partially canceled.

After a 10-hour disruption, railway services resumed late at night following the dispersal of protestors by police. Speaking to the media, GRP Commissioner Ravindra Shisve reported that the tracks had been cleared and operations could resume.

The protests erupted after the alleged sexual assault of two fourth-grade girls by a school attendant in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The attendant was arrested on August 17. Earlier on Tuesday, police resorted to tear gas to disperse residents who began stone-pelting at the school.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the alleged assaults and announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe the case. Fadnavis has also ordered the immediate suspension of several police officials for their delayed response in the initial stage of the incident.

Taking to his social media handle on X, Fadnavis announced, 'In the unfortunate Badlapur incident, IG rank officer IPS Arti Singh has been appointed to conduct the inquiry. A charge sheet will be filed immediately and the case will be heard in a fast-track court. Our police department is committed to punishing the perpetrators swiftly.' (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)