Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Maharashtra Education Minister Says CCTV Footage From Past 15 Days Missing

Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar on Monday said that CCTV footage from the past 15 days is missing at the Badlapur school where two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted.

The minister further noted that an investigation is underway to determine how the footage went missing and if any school officials are involved, India Today reported.

The school administration and police are under intense scrutiny for their handling of the case. The disappearance of the CCTV footage has further fuelled concerns about the school’s response.

Kesarkar also announced that the state government plans to install panic buttons in schools across Maharashtra.

The minister stated that this proposal was discussed in a meeting with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.

“Just like CCTVs in schools, panic buttons can also be installed…A panic button can also be installed in the hostels…It is an advanced technology,” he stated at a press conference.

Massive protests have erupted in Thane district, where the school is located, following the alleged assault. The incident, involving a male attendant allegedly assaulting two 4-year-old girls in the school’s washroom.

The accused, Akshay Shinde, 23, was arrested on August 17. The school management has suspended the principal, a class teacher and a female attendant.

Last Friday, the Thane District Education Officer was suspended for failing to report the assault on time, and the Education Officer of BMC faced suspension for not installing CCTV cameras in civic schools.

(With inputs from agencies)