Badlapur case: HC questions Maharashtra govt. on action taken for lapses in probe
Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan from a Division Bench observed that an internal investigation has been initiated against the negligent police officers in Badlapur.
The Maharashtra government was questioned by the Bombay High Court on Wednesday (October 23, 2024) regarding the steps taken against the police officers responsible for the negligence in filing an FIR and investigating the reported sexual assault on two young girls at a school in Badlapur, located in the Thane district.
Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan of a Division Bench highlighted the initiation of a departmental investigation against the negligent Badlapur police officers.
According to Advocate General Birendra Saraf, one officer has been identified as being derelict in their duties based on the investigation findings. Mr. Saraf informed the court that a formal report has been submitted to the Commissioner of Police. In August, a male attendant sexually abused two girls, aged four and five, inside a school toilet in Badlapur.
Amidst the Badlapur police’s investigation into the case, the Maharashtra government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) due to public uproar regarding significant flaws in the probe. Subsequently, the male attendant, who had been apprehended, met his demise in a police encounter.
The incident was brought to the attention of the High Court suo motu, and since then, the court has been overseeing the investigation. After six weeks, the Bench scheduled the case for the next hearing. The court mentioned, “During the upcoming session, we expect to receive updates on the disciplinary actions taken against the officers from Badlapur police station involved in the matter.
A month ago, there was also a High Court directive to establish a committee to conduct a study concerning the safety and security of children in schools and other educational establishments.
Upon submission of the committee’s report by the upcoming hearing date, the court specified that it would review the findings. Mr. Saraf informed the court that comprehensive measures have been implemented for the well-being of the two victims.
