Actor Riteish Deshmukh has expressed his shock and anger over the alleged sexual assault of two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The incident has ignited public outrage, coming on the heels of the recent horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata.
Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, Riteish Deshmukh, who is also a parent, voiced his pain and frustration, demanding the “harshest punishment” for those responsible. “As a parent, I am absolutely disgusted, pained, and raging with anger!! Two 4-year-old girls were sexually assaulted by a 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 further invoked the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, calling for the revival of strict historical punishments to address such heinous crimes.
As a parent 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…— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 20, 2024
The alleged assault has sparked widespread condemnation and protests in Badlapur, leading to a significant public outcry. In response, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident, assuring that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to ensure a thorough probe. “I have taken serious cognizance of the incident in Badlapur. An SIT has already been formed, 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,” Shinde stated.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also confirmed the formation of the SIT, headed by senior IPS officer Arti Singh, to oversee the investigation. Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticized the current administration, noting that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government was on the verge of passing the ‘Shakti Bill’ before it was toppled.
Earlier in the day, massive protests erupted at Badlapur Railway Station, where demonstrators blocked train tracks and clashed with police in response to the alleged assault. Authorities resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd, further intensifying the situation.
