Massive protest erupts in Thane after two 4-year-old girls sexually abused at school

Amidst the raging protests over Kolkata's horrific rape incident comes another incident from Maharashtra's Thane district where two 4-year-old girls were allegedly sexually abused by a male cleaning staff at school.

The incident has prompted massive protests with the state's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde saying the case will be fast-tracked, while adding that a special investigation team has already been formed to probe the incident.

"An SIT is already formed in this matter and we are also going to take action against the school where the incident took place. We are in the process to fast-track this case, and no one will be spared if found guilty," Eknath Shinde said.

The girls, who study in pre-primary classes at a co-ed school, were allegedly sexually assaulted in the girls' toilet on Aug 12 and 13.

The incident came to light after the girls' parents probed the two girls as to why they were refusing to go to school. The girls, who were too scared to return to school, told their parents of the sexual assault.

The accused has been arrested and a case has been filed against him after the parents of the girls filed a complaint on Aug 16 night.

During the investigation, the school administration told the police that CCTV cameras were not working on the day of the incident.

"We will see to it that the existing safety measures are further strengthened. We are issuing a circular today that CCTVs must be operational in each school. We will appoint a committee based on the Vishaka committee in schools as well. We will fast-track this case and give the strictest punishment to the accused," Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said while speaking to news agency ANI.

"The school principal, the class teacher and 2 assistants have been suspended. The school also has been served a notice. A woman senior PI who delayed registering a case should be suspended," he added.

The incident triggered huge protests which disrupted Mumbai local train services on Central Line on Aug 20 morning. Massive crowds gathered in large numbers at the Badlapur railway station and stopped trains.

It's been six hours since the agitators have blocked the local trains at the site, CR officials said. Various shops and other establishments in the Badlapur region also remained closed on Aug 20 as a sign of protest over the incident.

The school where the alleged sexual assault occurred has been forced to shut and local political leaders, along with supporters joined the demonstration.

Reportedly, senior police inspector Shubhada Shitole's delayed in lodging a complaint despite it being a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) case. Following this, the inspector was immediately transferred.

Meanwhile, the school administration has suspended the principal, the class teacher and the staff responsible for transporting the children.