Three police officials in Badlapur have been suspended after a delay in investigating a sexual assault case involving two young girls at a local school. The Office of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the suspensions on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the Thane Police Commissioner to immediately suspend the senior police inspector, assistant sub-inspector, and head constable of Badlapur police station who delayed action in the initial stage of the Badlapur incident,” the announcement read.
Read Also | Badlapur Sexual Abuse Case: Police Inspector Transferred, School Principal Suspended Amid Parents' Protest
In response to the incident, Fadnavis has also ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police-level senior IPS officer Arti Singh. The Thane Police Commissioner has been directed to propose transferring the case to a fast-track court to ensure swift and strict action against the culprits.
The suspensions and investigation follow a massive protest at Badlapur Railway Station on Tuesday. The protest, sparked by the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls at a local school, saw demonstrators pelting stones at police. Heavy security has been deployed to manage the situation and control the crowd.
The school has issued a public apology for the distress caused by the incident. The district administration has appealed for calm and urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.