Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar

NEW DELHI: In response to the alleged sexual assault case in Badlapur, Maharashtra education minister Deepak Kesarkar suggested on Monday that panic buttons could be installed in schools and hostels to ensure women’s safety. This comes alongside ongoing investigations by authorities into the incident where two fourth-grade girls were reportedly abused by a school attendant.
The alleged sexual assault, which has caused significant public outrage, led to the arrest of a school attendant on August 17. Kesarkar addressed the situation during a press conference in Mumbai, emphasising the need for advanced safety measures in educational institutions.
“Just like CCTVs in schools, panic buttons can also be installed… A panic button can also be installed in the hostels… It is an advanced technology,” Kesarkar stated during the press conference.
The Maharashtra education minister highlighted that an investigation team led by the deputy director of the Mumbai region had thoroughly probed the Badlapur incident. Various departmental representatives were involved in the investigation, and the police are now determining the appropriate charges to be filed. Kesarkar clarified that those found negligent will face consequences.
“Under the leadership of the deputy director of the Mumbai region, the investigation team probed the Badlapur incident. People from various departments were involved in the investigation. The police will decide under which sections the cases will be filed. The people who have been found negligent have been identified as co-accused. They also have to face consequences,” said Kesarkar.
He also criticized the opposition for their current stance, suggesting they did little to address such issues during their tenure. “The people who are criticising now have not done anything during their regime. We are initiating many actions,” added the minister.
A report prepared by the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Education Ministry concerning the Badlapur sexual abuse case was handed over to Kesarkar on Monday. The special investigation team (SIT) for the incident had already registered an FIR against the school authorities for failing to comply with Section 19 of the POCSO Act, which mandates reporting any known cases of sexual assault against minors to police authorities for further action.
On August 23, the SIT took significant steps by registering an FIR against the school authorities under Section 21 of the POCSO Act for their failure to inform the police, thus violating Section 19 of the Act. The statements of both minor victims and their parents have been recorded as part of the investigation.
Earlier, the special investigation team (SIT) for the Badlapur sexual assault against minors registered an FIR against the school authorities, for not complying with the provisions of Section 19 of the POCSO Act, which mandates that every authority, when they come to know about any such kind of sexual assault against minors, are obligated to report this to police authorities for further action, said SIT.
The police were not informed by the school authorities and that is why the school authorities have been booked under section 21 of the POCSO Act which is punishment for violation of section 19 of the same Act, stated SIT.
The investigations and subsequent actions highlight the state’s commitment to address the grievous issue and ensure a safer environment for minors in educational institutions.