National Desk, August 24 — Maharashtra witnessed widespread protests today as leaders and supporters of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) rallied against the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur. Despite the Bombay High Court’s injunction against a bandh, prominent opposition figures, including Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray, spearheaded demonstrations across the state.
Protesters, many wearing black bands, gathered at various locations to condemn the assault and criticize the state government’s response. Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), led a protest outside Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar, accusing the government of shielding the accused.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut defended the demonstrations, calling them a constitutional right to protest against such atrocities. “While the bandh was cancelled, our protests will persist until justice is served,” Raut declared.
The assault, reported on August 13, allegedly involved 23-year-old Akshay Shinde, a school cleaner, assaulting two 4-year-old girls. Shinde has been arrested, but the incident has sparked intense public outrage and calls for expedited justice and stronger child protection laws.
In response to the protests, BJP leaders have demanded a fast-track trial and stringent punishment for Shinde, emphasizing their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on crimes against women and children.