Bombay High Court criticizes Badlapur Police for inadequate response that too after public outcry

The Bombay High Court, with Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan presiding, has sharply criticized the Badlapur police over their handling of a case involving the sexual assault of two young girls.

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Child abuse (X/AnilSain)

The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the Badlapur incident, which involves allegations of sexual assault against two fourth-grade girls at a local school. This decision comes amidst widespread protests in Maharashtra, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The court has hearing for today, with Justices Mohite-Dere and Chavan overseeing the case.

Court Questions Police Investigation

The Bombay High Court, with Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Prithviraj K Chavan presiding, has sharply criticized the Badlapur police over their handling of a case involving the sexual assault of two young girls. The court expressed serious concerns about the investigation, particularly questioning why the statement of the second victim was not recorded. This criticism highlights a significant lapse in the police’s investigative procedures and their failure to act promptly before public pressure escalated.

DGP Pledges Commitment to Justice

In response to the court’s observations, Maharashtra's Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Shukla, has assured the public of the police force's dedication to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. DGP Shukla, through a statement on the official X handle @DGPMaharashtra, emphasized that the investigation into the Badlapur case is being conducted with the highest level of diligence. “We will leave no stone unturned in delivering justice to innocent children and their families,” Shukla asserted, reaffirming the police’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and ensuring a thorough investigation.

Recommendations for Enhanced Child Protection

In light of the recent outrage and the perceived delay in registering the crime, the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has proposed the creation of specialized units within police stations. These units, or "mini-police stations," would be dedicated to handling cases involving women and children. MSCPCR Chairperson Susieben Shah outlined this proposal during a press conference in Mumbai, aiming to improve the responsiveness and effectiveness of the police in such sensitive cases.