Bollywood actor Riteish Deshmukh has publicly expressed his profound distress and anger following the alleged sexual assault of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra. This incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, coming just days after the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Deshmukh took to his X account on Tuesday to voice his pain and demand stringent action against those responsible. With his status as both an actor and a parent, his outpouring of emotion resonated deeply with many. “As a parent, I am absolutely disgusted, pained, and raging with anger!! Two 4-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by the male cleaning staff member of the school. Schools are supposed to be as safe a place for kids as their own homes. Harshest punishment needs to be given to this demon,” Deshmukh wrote.
He went further, invoking historical justice measures, “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his times gave the guilty what they deserved – Chaurang- we need these laws back in action. #BadlapurCrime.”
The gravity of the incident has sparked widespread outrage and significant political response. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level probe into the case. “I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT has already been formed in this matter, and we are also going to take action against the school where the incident took place. We are in the process of fast-tracking this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty,” stated CM Shinde.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also been proactive, ordering the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Inspector General of Police-level senior IPS officer Arti Singh to delve into the details of the case. The Deputy CM’s intervention underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring swift justice and stringent action against the perpetrators.
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Adding to the political reactions, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray commented on the necessity of stronger legislative measures. He pointed out that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was on the verge of passing the ‘Shakti Bill,’ a stringent legislative measure aimed at curbing sexual offenses, but claimed that this movement was halted when the current Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, toppled the government.
In conjunction with political efforts, public outcry has intensified, culminating in significant protests. Earlier in the day, a massive demonstration took place at Badlapur Railway Station. Protestors, aggrieved by the alleged assault, blocked railway tracks, bringing local train services to a standstill. The agitation escalated to such a degree that stone-pelting incidents were reported, prompting police to use force, including lathi-charge and tear gas, to disperse the crowds.
This incident is not an isolated one when viewed in the context of recent events. It follows closely after another heinous act, the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata, which has already heightened societal fears and calls for robust protective measures. The recurrence of such crimes in short intervals has raised serious questions about the safety frameworks for women and children across the nation.
Social media has become a reflection of the collective anger, with many users expressing their support for Deshmukh’s statements and echoing his calls for the harshest possible punishments for the perpetrators. The hashtag #BadlapurCrime has gained traction, symbolizing a unified public demand for justice and stronger safety measures in educational institutions.
Despite the immediate responses from political leaders and the formation of investigation teams, there is a palpable demand for long-term solutions that can safeguard children from such horrific acts. Public discourse is increasingly focusing on the need for systemic changes, including stricter hiring protocols in schools, more comprehensive background checks for staff, and enhanced surveillance mechanisms within educational institutions.
Riteish Deshmukh’s reaction embodies a societal cross-section’s feelings, uniting voices in a common goal for justice and reform. As a father and a public figure, his words carry weight, encapsulating the collective anguish of a society yearning for the safety and security of its most vulnerable members. The nation watches closely as investigations proceed, hoping for swift justice and meaningful changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
