Mumbai: Badlapur Sexual Assault Case A preliminary report by a two-member committee appointed by the State Education Minister has uncovered significant lapses in the Badlapur minors assault case, highlighting gross negligence by the school administration.
The accused, Akshay Shinde, who began working as a contractual employee on August 1, was hired without any background verification and had unrestricted access to the school premises, including female restrooms, without carrying any identification card. The report suggests that the sexual assaults may have occurred multiple times over the past fifteen days, with the restroom’s location far from the staff room and inadequate CCTV coverage contributing to the lapses.
The report also reveals that the school administration delayed action for 48 hours after the incident was reported, with the principal informing the trustee on August 14, 2024, but failing to engage with the parents.
The committee, led by Child Rights Commission chairperson Sushiben Shah and Deputy Director of School Education Sandeep Sagave, has raised questions about why the POCSO Act should not be applied to the school administration. The report also criticizes the lack of sensitivity in handling the situation, citing inappropriate questions posed to the victims’ parents. Additionally, the hospital’s 12-hour delay in providing treatment to the minors was noted as a serious concern.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had previously raised similar issues. State Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar stated that the government would review the report and consider taking strict action against the school administration if found guilty.