Public Fury Erupts Over Badlapur Assault Case: NCP Leaders Demand Justice

Amid intense uproar over the Badlapur sexual assault case, NCP leaders assert that the outrage is driven by social responsibility. The Nationalist Congress Party staged protests demanding swift action, while authorities face criticism for negligence.

Following the public outcry over the alleged Badlapur sexual assault case, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad stated on Saturday that the rage in Maharashtra stems from social responsibility rather than political motivations. 'The rape cases that have occurred in Badlapur and across Maharashtra have fueled public anger, which was discussed today. This is social outrage, not political outrage. People are taking to the streets,' Awhad remarked to reporters.

In the meantime, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, accompanied by Maha Vikas Aghadi party leaders and supporters wearing black armbands, led a protest in Pune on Saturday in response to the Badlapur incident. During the protest, Sharad Pawar emphasized, 'There isn't a day in Maharashtra without news of atrocities against women. The government needs to address this incident seriously. Accusing the opposition of politicizing the issue shows the government's insensitivity.'

Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probed the Badlapur sexual assault case involving minors and registered an FIR against the school authorities for failing to comply with Section 19 of the POCSO Act. The provision mandates that all authorities must report any known instance of sexual assault against minors to the police for further action. The alleged assault of two fourth-grade girls at a school in Maharashtra's Badlapur sparked widespread outrage. On August 17, police arrested a school attendant for allegedly abusing the girls.

(With inputs from agencies.)