Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray

MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday demanded the withdrawal of cases against those who protested in Badlapur over the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls, warning that the opposition would take to the streets if this demand is not met. Speaking to the media, Thackeray emphasized that the August 24 ‘Maharashtra Bandh‘ called by the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is aimed at protesting against “perversion” and urging people from all communities to join in.
Thackeray said the bandh would represent the voices of the state’s citizens. He criticised the Eknath Shinde government‘s handling of the Badlapur protest, stating, “Arrests are still taking place in Badlapur. The cases against the protesters must be withdrawn or else we have to hit the streets.”
A significant protest erupted in Badlapur town in Thane district on Tuesday after thousands demonstrated and blocked railway tracks against the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls by a male attendant at a local school. The protest led to the injury of at least 25 police personnel due to stone-pelting at the railway station and other areas in Badlapur.
Police have arrested 72 individuals related to the violence during the protest. The accused, arrested on August 17, remains in police custody until August 26.
Thackeray insisted that the bandh should be “strictly” followed until 2 pm while ensuring that emergency services remain functional. He stated that people have the right to express their outrage beyond just during elections.
“When all roads are shut, justice is sought in the court of people,” Thackeray said. He explained that the bandh aims to remind the government of its responsibilities.
The former chief minister pointed out that the Bombay High Court, which took suo motu cognizance of the alleged sexual assault of the young girls in Badlapur, had expressed its dissatisfaction with the state’s response.
During a hearing on the issue on Thursday, the high court remarked, “Unless there is a strong public outburst, the machinery won’t move.”