School Principal and Staff Suspended Amid Allegations of Sexual Abuse in Badlapur

Badlapur, Maharashtra – The management of a school in Badlapur, located in Maharashtra’s Thane district, has suspended its principal and two staff members following allegations of sexual abuse involving two young girls. The incident has sparked outrage among parents, leading to significant protests and disruptions in the area.

On the morning of August 20, hundreds of furious parents and residents gathered at Badlapur railway station around 8 AM, blocking train services between Kalyan and Karjat. The protest aimed to draw the administration’s attention to their demand for justice for the victims.

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The issue came to light on August 17 when police arrested a school attendant on charges of sexually abusing two kindergarten girls, aged three and four years. According to the complaint, the attendant allegedly abused the girls in the school toilet. The children informed their parents about the inappropriate behavior, leading to the filing of a complaint and subsequent registration of a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused was later arrested, according to police reports.

In response to the incident, the school management issued an apology and announced that the housekeeping firm responsible for employing the attendant has been blacklisted. The school also promised to increase vigilance on the premises to prevent such incidents in the future.

Earlier this morning, a large group of concerned parents gathered outside the school, demanding strict action against those responsible. Several organizations have called for a bandh in Badlapur to protest against the incident. Schools in the area remained closed on August 20 in solidarity with the protesting parents.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged the protesters not to block railway tracks, assuring them that the government would take stringent action. “I have instructed the police to make this case watertight. We will not spare anyone, be it a police officer or school administration,” Shinde said.

The community continues to demand justice and stricter measures to ensure the safety of children in schools.