Mumbai: In response to the public outcry following the sexual assault of two Class IV girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra, the state government has proposed the installation of panic buttons in schools and hostels to enhance women's safety. Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar suggested that, much like the existing CCTV systems in schools, panic buttons could be installed as an additional security measure. "A panic button can also be installed in the hostels. It is an advanced technology," Kesarkar said.

The proposal comes after a tragic incident on August 16, where two four-year-old girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by a 23-year-old male cleaning staff member, Akshay Shinde, inside the girls' toilet at their school in Badlapur. Shinde was arrested following the filing of an FIR against him.

An investigation into the incident, led by a team under the deputy director of the Mumbai region, has identified negligent individuals who are now considered co-accused in the case. These findings were included in a report by the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Education Ministry, which has been submitted to Minister Kesarkar for further action.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the case has also filed an FIR against the school authorities for failing to comply with Section 19 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which requires immediate reporting of sexual abuse against minors to the police. The SIT has recorded statements from the victims and their parents, and the accused, Akshay Shinde, is currently in judicial custody for 14 days, as ordered by the Kalyan court.

The investigation is ongoing, with the SIT requesting a Test Identification Parade (TI Parade) where the victims will identify the accused, a process to be overseen by an Executive Magistrate. The probe is also focusing on the digital evidence linked to the accused, with statements from Shinde's two wives already recorded, and a third statement expected soon.

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