Court Sends Akshay Shinde to Judicial Custody

Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two young girls at a Badlapur school, has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody following significant public outrage and protests. The alleged incidents occurred in the school toilet on August 12-13, with Shinde arrested on August 17. The Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case and has initiated measures for enhanced safety in schools, such as installing CCTVs and ensuring only women staff are present in sensitive areas. Additionally, the school authorities have been charged for failing to report the incidents as mandated under the POCSO Act. Protests led to vandalism and injuries among police officers, prompting temporary internet service suspensions in Badlapur. The Maharashtra Chief Minister has pledged a fast-track trial for the accused.