The recent incident of sexual assault involving two young girls in Badlapur has ignited a wave of outrage across Maharashtra. Public protests have erupted, and the political climate has become increasingly heated. Residents of Badlapur took to the streets yesterday, staging a sit-in protest. The Shiv Sena Thackeray group’s mouthpiece, *Saamana*, has also weighed in on the issue, sharply criticizing Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sanjay Raut has lambasted the state government, asserting that even beloved daughters are not safe under their watch.
What Does the Saamana Editorial Say?
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Saturday18 Jan. 2025
The editorial in *Saamana* highlights the intense anger that has followed the reported sexual abuse of two young girls at a school in Badlapur. The outrage has prompted parents and the public to protest on the streets. The editorial criticizes the delay in action by the authorities, questioning why it takes public outrage to prompt a response from the government. The piece also accuses the state government of paying lip service to women’s safety while failing to provide real protection.
Why the Delay in Action?
The editorial underscores the shocking fact that even three- and four-year-old girls are not safe in the state, falling victim to grotesque crimes. It condemns the government for its failure to protect its citizens and for the prolonged inaction following the Badlapur incident. It took police 11-12 hours to register the case, with the process starting only after a significant delay. There are allegations that the educational institution involved has ties to the BJP, raising questions about whether there was an attempt to delay justice. Raut criticizes the government for its inadequate response and for turning a blind eye to the severity of the crime.
Call for Self-Reflection
Sanjay Raut calls for Devendra Fadnavis to engage in self-reflection, accusing the BJP of politicizing sensitive issues like sexual violence and focusing on political gains rather than genuine concern. Raut questions Fadnavis’s credibility in criticizing opposition parties for politicizing tragic events when his own government seems to be in a state of denial. The editorial suggests that the state’s approach to handling such cases appears to be more about damage control and less about effective action. The current administration, according to Raut, is failing to protect even the most vulnerable, highlighting the urgent need for reform and accountability.
