Sexual assault of two 4-year-old girls in school triggers massive outrage

Protesters storm school building, block railway tracks at Badlapur station

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Thousands of protesters on Tuesday blocked railway tracks at Badlapur station in Thane district and stormed a local school following the alleged sexual assault of two fouryear-old girls by the school's sweeper in the washroom.

The police responded with a lathi-charge as protesters, including many enraged parents, pelted stones at officers and vandalised the school building in a show of anger over the incident.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a special investigation team, to be led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh,to ensure a thorough probe into the case. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also promised swift action against the school and assured that the case would be fast-tracked, vowing that those responsible would face severe consequences.

At the protest, crowds chanted slogans demanding the death penalty for the accused, while Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar pledged the formation of 'Vishakha committees' in schools.