Thousands took to streets on Tuesday in protest against the alleged sexual abuse of two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district. Outraged demonstrators vandalised the school and pelted stones at Badlapur railway station during the 'rail roko' agitation.
The two kindergarten girls, aged three and four, were allegedly sexually abused at the school toilet by a male attendant, who has been arrested. The school principal, the class teacher and a female attendant have also been suspended.
Angry parents of the schoolchildren and several other women gathered outside the school on Tuesday morning seeking strick action against the school. Some protesters broke open the gate and vandalised the school, shattering its windows and damaging doors and benches.
They also held a rail roko protest at the Badlapur railway station and blocked the tracks of suburban trains from around 8.30 am.
Police personnel and railway authorities tried to convince the protesters to end blockade as commuters were stranded. Some of the protesters began pelting stones but police soon brought the situation under control.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation into the alleged sexual abuse. It will be headed by Inspector General of Police-rank officer Aarti Singh. Thane Police Commissioner has been asked to submit a proposal to try the case in a fast-track court.
