Thane Protests Over School Assault Incident

The alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane, has led to massive public protests and a call for a state-wide bandh by the opposition on August 24. The Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Inspector General of Police Arti Singh and appointed senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have assured swift justice with a fast-track court. Several police officers have been suspended for delays in handling the case, and measures are being proposed to enhance school safety. The National Human Rights Commission has also taken cognizance and requested a detailed report within two weeks.