Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Maharashtra Education Minister Says CCTV Footage From Past 15 Days Missing
People block railway tracks to protest against the alleged sexual abuse of two girls at a school, at Badlapur railway station, in Thane district, on Tuesday. (Pic/PTI)
The minister further noted that an investigation is underway to determine how the footage went missing and if school officials may be involved
Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar on Monday said that CCTV footage from the past 15 days is missing at the Badlapur school where two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted.
The minister further noted that an investigation is underway to determine how the footage went missing and if school officials may be involved, India Today reported.
The school administration and police are under intense scrutiny for their handling of the case. The disappearance of the CCTV footage has further fuelled concerns about the school’s response.
Kesarkar also announced that the state government plans to install panic buttons in schools across Maharashtra. He said that this proposal was discussed in a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
“Just like CCTVs in schools, panic buttons can also be installed…A panic button can also be installed in the hostels…It is an advanced technology,” he stated at a press conference.
#WATCH | On the Badlapur incident, Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar says, “…Just like CCTVs in schools, panic buttons can also be installed…A panic button can also be installed in the hostels…It is an advanced technology…” pic.twitter.com/EUV1KecTwX— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2024
Massive protests have erupted in Thane district, where the school is located, following the alleged assault. The incident, involving a male attendant allegedly assaulting two 4-year-old girls in the school’s washroom on August 12 and 13.
The FIR, filed on August 16, alleges that the assault took place between 9 am and 12 pm on August 13. The parents took their daughters to a doctor and reported the incident to the police on August 16.
The accused, Akshay Shinde, 23, was arrested on August 17. The school management has suspended the principal, a class teacher and a female attendant.
Last Friday, the Thane District Education Officer was suspended for failing to report the assault on time, and the Education Officer of BMC faced suspension for not installing CCTV cameras in civic schools.
(With inputs from agencies)