Badlapur case: Bombay High Court slams police for delayed action amid public outcry

After taking the suo motu cognisance of the alleged Badlapur sexual assault case of two four-year-old girls, a division bench of Bombay High Court on Thursday (August 22) comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan described the incident as "extremely shocking".

Justice Mohite-Dere , while questioning the safety in schools, remarked, "If the school is not a safe place, then what is the use of speaking about right to education and such things. Even 4-year-old girls are not being spared. What is this situation? It is extremely shocking."

The alleged sexual assault of the two kindergarten students by a male attendant sparked a massive protest in Badlapur on Tuesday (August 20).

The authorities on Wednesday (August 21) suspended internet services in the town. Police said they have arrested 72 persons in connection with the violence during the stir.

The male attendant, who was arrested on August 17, allegedly assaulted the kids in the school's toilet.

A local court on Wednesday extended the accused police custody till August 26.

The court issued an order expecting the provision of all legal assistance to the survivors and their families.

Also watch |Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Congnisance

Advocate General Birendra Saraf for the state government assured the court, "We will not only issue guidelines regarding student safety but also ensure their implementation in all schools. We will take all necessary measures to achieve this." He further stated that any dereliction of duty in the current case would result in strict action.

Justice Mohite-Dere expressed the court's expectations, stating, "We expect you not only record section 164 statements of the victim girls but also of the families. We want to see the case file by next date. We want to see what investigation was done by the Badlapur Police, on the next date itself."

(With inputs from agencies)