Badlapur Shocker: Mumbai Central Line Disrupted By Protests Over Alleged Assault Of 4-Year Girls

Mumbai’s Central Line local train services were severely disrupted on Tuesday morning as protests erupted at Badlapur railway station.

The demonstration, involving large crowds, was in response to the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old schoolchildren by a cleaning staff member and the perceived delay in police action.

The Central Railway announced that local train operations were halted at Badlapur station starting from 10:10 am due to the protest. Train services in both directions were suspended, and five express trains were rerouted via the Karjat-Panvel route to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

The protests were fueled by allegations of a delayed police response to the assault, which occurred on August 12 and 13.

The accused, employed on a contractual basis, was arrested only after the FIR was filed on August 16. The incident has raised serious concerns about school safety and management.

In response to the protests, shops and establishments in Badlapur were closed, and the affected school was forced to shut. Local political leaders and their supporters also participated in the agitation.

A senior police officer stated that a stringent criminal case has been registered, and the accused has been taken into custody.

The investigation is being led by a senior inspector with the assistance of experienced women officers and is under close supervision to ensure a thorough and evidence-based case.

The Thane police commissioner has imposed restrictions on gatherings to avoid obstructing the investigation.

Additionally, a senior inspector from the police station has been transferred due to allegations of delay in the case.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured a swift investigation and emphasized the importance of background checks for staff hiring. He announced plans to introduce a standard operating procedure to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Avinash Jadhav condemned the delay in police action and demanded a resolution within a year. He highlighted the proactive role of MNS women leaders in organizing an initial silent protest on August 12.