Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has accused the massive rail roko protest in Thane’s Badlapur of being politically motivated. The protest erupted over the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls by a school sweeper. Shinde alleged that the demonstration was orchestrated to tarnish the state government’s image, claiming that many of the protesters were not local residents.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Shinde expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that those exploiting the situation for political gain should be ashamed. He emphasized that while state minister Girish Mahajan had agreed to all demands put forth by the protestors, their refusal to disperse indicated ulterior motives. “They just wanted to malign the government,” Shinde asserted.
The Chief Minister pointed out that some protesters carried placards criticizing the government’s flagship ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ which provides financial assistance to women. The placards read that instead of the monthly Rs 1,500, they wanted protection for their daughters.
In response to the incident, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), and the Congress, has called for a Maharashtra Bandh on August 24. The MVA leaders convened on Wednesday to discuss the Badlapur incident, condemning the government’s handling of the case.
The protest, which took place on Tuesday, saw thousands of demonstrators block the railway tracks at Badlapur station, leading to widespread disruption. Local train services were halted, and at least 15 long-distance trains were diverted, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. The Thane Police arrested over 70 protesters and registered a First Information Report (FIR) against more than 300 people for their involvement in the rail blockade, which left at least 25 police personnel injured in incidents of stone-pelting.
Despite the arrests, the situation at Badlapur railway station returned to normal on Wednesday, with local trains resuming regular operations. However, DCP Manoj Patil of the Central Railway’s GRP stated that internet services in the area would be suspended for a few days to prevent the spread of rumors. A heavy police presence remains in place at both the railway station and the school where the alleged assault occurred.
Opposition leaders, including NCP leader Supriya Sule and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, have heavily criticized the state government. Sule demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing him of failing to curb crime in the state. Thackeray called for the case to be fast-tracked and justice to be delivered swiftly, alleging that the school where the assault took place has ties to BJP leaders.
In response, Deputy CM Fadnavis assured that the case would be investigated promptly and processed in a fast-track court. The Maharashtra government has also suspended three police officials, including a senior inspector, for alleged negligence in handling the case.
The accused, identified as 24-year-old Akshay Shinde, was arrested on August 17 following pressure from the victims’ parents, who insisted on filing a formal complaint despite initial delays. Shinde, who was employed as a cleaner through a third-party contractor, is currently in police custody, which has been extended until August 26.
