Mumbai: The sexual assault of two young girls at a school near Mumbai has triggered violent protests in Maharashtra, with locals disrupting rail services and causing widespread disturbances in the Badlapur area.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident involved a male attendant at a school who allegedly abused two kindergarten students. The community’s outrage grew when it was revealed that Shubhada Shitole, a senior police inspector, had delayed the registration of the case, prompting protests that began at a police station and quickly spread to other areas.

The demonstrators blocked train tracks at Badlapur railway station and forced the closure of local shops and the school, demanding swift justice. The protests turned destructive, with damage to school property and clashes with police that included stone-throwing and physical confrontations.

The aftermath of the protests saw the suspension of the school’s principal, a class teacher, and another attendant by the school management. Authorities have arrested the accused attendant, although the police’s delayed response has been criticized. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has also condemned the handling of the situation, highlighting both the school’s and police’s inadequate response to the serious allegations.