The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sexual assault case involving minors at a school in Badlapur has registered an FIR against the school authorities. The FIR was filed for failing to comply with Section 19 of the POCSO Act, which mandates that any authority aware of a sexual assault against minors must report it to the police. The school's failure to inform the police resulted in them being booked under Section 21 of the POCSO Act, which prescribes punishment for violations of Section 19.
Statements recorded amid ongoing protests
The SIT has recorded statements from the two minor victims and their parents as part of the investigation. The case has sparked significant public outrage in Badlapur and led to violent protests. The Bombay High Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident, with a hearing held by a division bench of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan.
Arrest and broader implications
On August 17, police arrested a school attendant for allegedly abusing the girls, which further intensified the public outcry. In response to the incident and the delayed police action, the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has proposed the establishment of dedicated "mini-police stations" for women and children at every police station across the state. This recommendation aims to ensure timely and focused attention to complaints involving women and children, addressing the current gap where existing units are often diverted to other duties.
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