Bombay HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Badlapur School Sexual Assault Case

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has welcomed the Bombay High Court's decision to take suo motu cognizance of a sexual assault case involving two schoolgirls in Badlapur. While doubts are raised about the ongoing SIT investigation, officials urge for swift and harsh punishment for the accused.

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Thursday lauded the High Court for taking suo motu cognizance of the sexual assault case in Badlapur. He expressed hope that the High Court would handle the case with the same urgency as the Supreme Court did in the Kolkata rape and murder case.

Addressing concerns regarding the SIT investigation, Patole said, 'SIT is led by IPS Arti Singh and we doubt her. The government-appointed advocate to represent the case in the fast-track court is already a member of the BJP. We demand to change both of them.'

Patole emphasized that Congress demands severe punishment for the culprits. Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal condemned the incident and called for the harshest action against the accused to deter future crimes. The Bombay High Court's division bench heard the case on Thursday amid violent protests. The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has recommended special branches in police stations to address crimes against women and children effectively.