In a strongly worded editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led faction launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led MahaYuti government, describing the incident as a disturbing example of deteriorating law and order in the state
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The alleged sexual abuse of a four-year-old girl by a school bus driver in Badlapur has sparked sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT), with the party accusing both the school administration and the Maharashtra government of failing in their fundamental duty to protect children, reported news agency IANS.
Editorial questions law and order as leaders focus on foreign investment
In a strongly worded editorial published in its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led faction launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led MahaYuti government, describing the incident as a disturbing example of deteriorating law and order in the state. The editorial remarked that while senior state leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, are abroad seeking foreign investment, serious crimes against children continue to occur at home, leaving citizens feeling unsafe and unprotected, reported IANS.
School accused of attempting to suppress incident
According to the editorial, the incident occurred at a private school in Badlapur, where the school bus driver allegedly sexually assaulted the minor. When the traumatised parents brought the matter to the attention of the school principal, the management allegedly attempted to suppress the incident rather than immediately informing the authorities. The editorial claimed that an FIR was registered only after the parents directly approached the police, following which the accused was arrested.
Probe reveals violations of school transport safety norms
The piece further highlighted serious violations of safety norms by the school authorities. Investigations reportedly revealed that the school bus involved did not possess a valid permit and was operating without a female attendant, both of which are mandatory under government regulations. Following the incident, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) cancelled the bus’s licence and imposed a fine of Rs 24,000, actions that the editorial described as reactive rather than preventive, reported IANS.
Saamana recalls similar Badlapur case from two years ago
Calling the incident a “grim repetition of history,” Saamana recalled a similar case in Badlapur two years ago, where two schoolgirls were sexually assaulted by a cleaning staff member at another school. In that instance as well, the school management was accused of attempting to cover up the crime, which eventually led to widespread public outrage and a controversial police encounter involving the accused.
Editorial links incident to erosion of rule of law
The editorial also criticised the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that by politically accommodating individuals linked to such incidents, it sends a dangerous message that sexual offenders need not fear strict legal consequences. It further cited recent observations made by the Bombay High Court in the Gogawale case, describing them as indicative of a broader collapse of the rule of law in Maharashtra, reported IANS.
Welfare schemes questioned amid safety concerns
Despite repeated assurances from the government, transport police and the RTO about strengthening school transport regulations, the editorial said the latest case exposes those promises as “hollow.” It also took aim at welfare initiatives such as the “Laadki Bahin” and “Laadki Lek” schemes, accusing the state of seeking women’s votes while failing to guarantee their safety, and likening official responses to “locking the stable after the horse has bolted.”
(With inputs from IANS)
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