Badlapur Kindergarten Assault Case: Maharashtra Government issues new school safety guidelines

In response to the recent sexual assault case involving two kindergarten girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra, the state government has issued new, stringent guidelines aimed at enhancing the safety of girl students in schools. The horrific incident, where a male attendant allegedly assaulted the children in the school’s toilet, has sparked widespread public outrage, leading to protests and a bandh call by opposition parties.

Court has ordered SIT to submit the report by August 27

The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the case, sharply criticising the local police for their handling of the investigation. The court highlighted several lapses, including the failure to record the statement of the second victim’s father and the school authorities’ delay in reporting the incident as required by the POCSO Act. The court has demanded a status report on the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) progress by August 27.

In response to the public outcry, the Maharashtra government has announced a series of new safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Schools are now required to establish student safety committees within a week, install CCTV cameras within a month, and introduce a complaint box system to ensure that students have a secure channel to report any grievances.

Additionally, the state has suspended internet services in Badlapur to prevent further unrest and has arrested 72 individuals connected to the protests. The accused in the assault case remains in police custody, with the investigation being led by a newly formed SIT under senior IPS officer Arti Singh.

These developments underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures in educational institutions, as the government seeks to restore public trust and ensure that schools are safe spaces for all students.