The Bombay High Court was informed on Tuesday that the investigation into the Badlapur school sexual assault case has been completed, leading to the suspension of a senior police officer for negligence. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) disclosed the closure of its probe and the consequent disbanding, marking a significant development in a case that sparked widespread outrage.
Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar, representing the SIT, addressed the division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, detailing the outcomes of the investigation. The case involved the alleged sexual assault of two young girls, aged four and five, by a school attendant in August. The incident took place in the toilet of their school located in Badlapur, Thane district, prompting public protests and calls for justice.
The accused was subsequently killed in September during what was described as retaliatory firing by police while being transported in a police vehicle. This incident led to further scrutiny and a departmental inquiry, which concluded with punitive actions against the officials at Badlapur police station. The senior police inspector, a lady officer, was suspended and her increments halted for two years due to delays in registering and investigating the FIR.
Additionally, Venegaonkar revealed that two charge sheets have been filed posthumously against the deceased accused and the trustees of the school, aiming to address all facets of the case comprehensively.
In response to the case and broader concerns about child safety in educational settings, the High Court had previously ordered the creation of a committee of experts to review and enhance security measures. The committee is expected to submit its findings in January 2025.
Further discussions in court also touched on the safety of the accused’s parents, who have expressed fears of retaliation. Although they declined police protection, a constable has been stationed outside their home to prevent any potential harm.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for December 19, focusing on the issue of police protection for the parents and possibly hearing directly from them.
