Aditya Thackeray Urges President Murmu to Expedite Assent for Maharashtra Shakti Bill

A deeply distressing incident in Badlapur East involving the sexual assault of two minor girls at a prominent school has sparked widespread outrage across the region. The severity of the case led to an intense public outcry, with angry residents blocking train services at Badlapur railway station on Wednesday morning, demanding stringent punishment for the accused.

Public and Political Reaction
The horrific nature of the crime has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and the general public alike. Aditya Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, voiced his frustration and called for immediate action, particularly emphasising the need for the passage of the Shakti Bill, which seeks to enforce stricter punishments for crimes against women.

Taking to the social media platform X, Thackeray expressed his dismay over the recurring issue of sexual violence in the country. He questioned the societal and legal responsibilities in ensuring women’s safety, stating, “Why should the responsibility of safety be on women? Why can’t society and the law ensure the safety of women? Every day, we are hearing about cases of molestation and rape that make us angry and sick, from all over the country.”

Everyday that we think of starting off with “self defence classes” for women, like we did earlier, a deeper voice asks me why?

And even though we will start soon, since the times demand it unfortunately, the question still is why?

• Why should the responsibility of safety be…

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) August 20, 2024

Thackeray stressed the need for rapid and fair justice, advocating for severe punishment to deter such heinous crimes. “Hearing about the Badlapur case today is sickening to the core. There can’t be a differentiation between age groups. Rape is rape. We need justice; we need examples of harsh punishment that will instill fear in the minds of these rapists,” he added.

He also urged President Droupadi Murmu to expedite the long-pending Maharashtra Shakti Bill, which is designed to empower laws against crimes targeting women. “I once again urge [President] Murmu ji to give her long-pending assent to Maharashtra Shakti Bill that will empower the law on crimes against women. Treat a rapist like a terrorist!” Thackeray asserted.

Government Action
In response to the public outcry, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to thoroughly investigate the case. Shinde has assured that those found guilty will face the full extent of the law, promising strict action against the perpetrators.

The case has not only shocked the local community but has also raised significant concerns about the safety of minors in educational institutions. The public blockade at the railway station reflects the depth of anger and the urgent demand for justice and safety reforms.

As the investigation continues, residents and political leaders alike are calling for swift and severe action to ensure that justice is served, and to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.