The Maha-Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has given a call for Maharashtra Bandh on August 24 to protest the sexual abuse of minor girls in Badlapur in Thane district. All the parties in MVA will participate in the protest.
The Opposition parties started raising their voices following the exposure of the case of sexual abuse of school-going girl students in Badlapur. The Opposition leaders also demanded the resignations of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The decision to observe the Maharashtra Bandh was taken in a meeting of MVA in Mumbai.
Maharashtra Unit Congress President Nana Patole told the media that all the factions of MVA will participate in the Bandh, aimed at awakening the present government. He appealed to doctors, law practitioners, litigants, and others to participate in the agitation.
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad said that a steep rise in crime against women was observed in the Thane district, which is the home district of the Chief Minister
Fadnavis said that an SIT has been formed to conduct enquiry into the case. The case will be handled in a fast-track court. Meanwhile, senior Police Inspector Shubhada Shitole has been transferred from Badlapur. Two new police officers of the rank of Inspector have been appointed.