Sanjay Raut Criticizes Eknath Shinde Government Over Alleged Assault in Badlapur

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut condemned the Eknath Shinde-led government for its handling of an alleged sexual assault involving two minor girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra. He questioned the filing of criminal cases against protestors seeking justice instead of offering protection to the victims. Over 40 arrests have been made.

Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, harshly criticized the Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti government on Wednesday over the handling of an alleged sexual assault involving two minor girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra. Instead of providing protection to the victims, Raut questioned why criminal cases were being filed against protestors seeking justice.

Raut queried why the police, reportedly under pressure, failed to lodge an FIR initially. He suggested that political bias influenced the situation, noting that if the institutions involved were linked to Shiv Sena (UBT) or the Congress, a stronger response from leaders like Devendra Fadnavis could be expected.

Following massive protests, which included stone-pelting and disruption of train services, more than 40 individuals have been arrested. As tensions escalated, Maharashtra police heightened security and suspended internet services in Badlapur to prevent the spread of rumors. DCP Manoj Patil assured that the situation had normalized by Wednesday.

On Tuesday, security forces used lathi-charge to disperse protestors who had blocked the railway tracks, causing significant disruptions to train services. The initial spark of outrage stemmed from the alleged abuse of two fourth-grade girls by a school attendant, who was arrested on August 17. In response, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a high-level probe and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)