Multiple Molestation Cases Spark Outrage in Maharashtra

An earring seller and a school teacher have been arrested in Maharashtra following molestation allegations involving minors. Violent protests erupted in Badlapur after two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted, resulting in police action and mass arrests.

An earring seller was arrested for allegedly molesting an eight-year-old girl in Mumbai's Nagpada area on Wednesday, police reported. The accused, identified as Zubair Shah, was taken into custody after the incident took place while he was selling earrings.

The police booked Shah under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and further investigation is underway. Earlier the same day, a school teacher was detained in Maharashtra's Akola district on similar charges. The teacher, Pramod Manohar Sardar, faced accusations from six school girls.

Superintendent of Police Akolka Bachchan Singh confirmed that cases under sections 74 and 75 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act were registered against Sardar. In Badlapur, violent protests erupted after two minors were allegedly sexually assaulted, leading to mass arrests and police action.

(With inputs from agencies.)