Maharashtra CM Claims Badlapur Protest Politically Motivated

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde contends that the protests in Badlapur over the sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls are politically motivated to defame the state government. Shinde alleges that many protesters were outsiders and criticizes the opposition for exploiting the incident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday alleged that the protest at Badlapur in Thane district, triggered by the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls, was a politically motivated attempt to malign the state government.

Shinde claimed that the majority of demonstrators were not local residents but outsiders. He also criticized the opposition, accusing them of politicizing the incident for their gain and expressing shame over their actions.

The Chief Minister pointed out that despite state minister Girish Mahajan agreeing to all demands of the protestors, they refused to back down, indicating ulterior motives. The protest, which included the blockade of railway tracks and vandalism, led to suspension of rail services and injuries to at least 25 police personnel. Authorities have arrested 72 individuals and filed four FIRs related to the violence.

(With inputs from agencies.)