MAHARASTRA: On August 21, a nationwide Bharat Bandh was observed to protest the Supreme Court's decision to exclude the “creamy layer” from the SC/ST quota, impacting various states including Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala. In response to a recent local incident, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has announced a state-wide bandh in Maharashtra on August 24.

The Maharashtra bandh is organized in reaction to an alleged sexual assault on two young girls in Badlapur, Thane district. This incident has stirred significant outrage within the community. Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra state assembly, has confirmed that all MVA allies will participate in the bandh.

Uddhav Thackeray, leader of the Sena UBT, has articulated the purpose of the bandh, emphasizing that it aims to highlight the critical issue of women's safety and pressure the government to take appropriate action. "The bandh is meant to draw attention to the urgent need for action in response to the alleged sexual assault," Thackeray stated. "Those who criticize the protest are either insensitive or supporters of the alleged perpetrators."

Currently, no specific notifications regarding the closure of schools and colleges have been issued, so these institutions are expected to remain open. However, schools and colleges that usually close on Saturdays will observe a holiday.

The Badlapur incident involves two kindergarten girls who were allegedly assaulted by a cleaning staff member at their school last week. On August 17, police arrested the accused attendant, leading to widespread public anger in Badlapur.

On August 22, the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case. The court has been assured that a thorough investigation is underway and that no errors will be tolerated.

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