The Bombay High Court today criticised the Maharashtra Police for lapses in investigating the sexual abuse case of two 4-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane. The Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter based on newspaper reports. A Division Bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan also highlighted the lack of action against the school authorities for failing to report the crime.

The Court questioned the delay in registering the case, noting that such delays discourage people from approaching the police. It emphasised the need for the police force to be sensitised in handling cases involving sexual offenses. The Court directed the state to take action against the school authorities for not reporting the crime and demanded an explanation for the delay in recording the second victim’s statement. The Court also requested that the case files and other relevant documents be presented before it. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on August 29.