Badlapur assault case: FIR against school for violating POCSO Act
What's the story
An FIR has been lodged against the school authorities in the ongoing investigation into the sexual assault of two minors in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed the complaint on grounds of non-compliance with Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
This development follows a series of protests across Maharashtra earlier this week, demanding justice for the victims.
Non-compliance
School authorities failed to report assault
The SIT has accused the school authorities of failing to report the sexual assault incident to the police as mandated under Section 19 of the POCSO Act.
This non-compliance has led to charges under Section 21 of the same Act, which stipulates penalties for such failures.
The SIT confirmed that they have recorded statements from both victims and their parents during their investigation.
Judicial intervention
Bombay HC takes suo moto cognizance of case
The Bombay High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the Badlapur sexual assault case.
On Thursday, the court described the incident as "absolutely shocking."
It also raised questions regarding the Maharashtra Police's handling of a sexual abuse case.
The court, led by Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Prithviraj K Chavan, expressed dismay at the police's failure to record the second victim's statement under Section 164.
Public response
Maharashtra bandh announced
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a "Maharashtra bandh" on Saturday to highlight women's safety and prompt government action.
While no official notice for school closures on August 24 has been issued, institutions typically closed on Saturdays will follow their routine.
Banks will also remain shut nationwide due to the fourth Saturday of the month.
Separately, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called for the withdrawal of cases against Badlapur protesters.
Case developments
Accused's parents claim innocence
Meanwhile, the parents of the accused in the Badlapur case have claimed their son's innocence, alleging that he has been framed.
The accused, an attendant at the school where the assault took place, is currently in police custody until August 26.
Additionally, a case has been registered against a woman with over five lakh followers on Instagram for allegedly spreading false information about the victims and their families.