Protests Disrupt Rail Services in Maharashtra Over Alleged Kindergarten Abuse

The rail roko protest at Badlapur station in Thane district, Maharashtra, was sparked by the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten students, affecting train services. Protesters blocked railway tracks, causing the diversion of long-distance trains. Authorities have deployed additional personnel to manage the disruption.

The rail roko protest at Badlapur station in Thane district, Maharashtra, on Tuesday, erupted over allegations of sexual abuse involving two kindergarten students. The protest led to the diversion of 10 long-distance trains via alternate routes, according to Central Railway.

Local train services between Ambernath and Karjat were suspended from 10:10 AM as protesters, including numerous women, blocked the tracks. The situation escalated when agitators vandalized the school where the alleged incident occurred and resorted to stone-pelting at the Badlapur railway station, police reported.

At least 10 mail-express trains, including Solapur-CSMT Vande Bharat Express, were rerouted through Karjat-Panvel-Thane, said Swapnil Nila, Central Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer. Although local trains between CSMT and Ambarnath stations are operating normally, services between Badlapur and Karjat remain halted. Additional Railway Protection Force personnel have been deployed in the Kalyan-Karjat section, closely monitored by senior officials and Government Railway Police staff.