New Delhi, Jan 24 : Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday sharply criticised the BJP-led MahaYuti government following the sexual abuse of a four year old girl by a school bus driver in Badlapur, near Mumbai. In its party mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray faction described the incident as a “grave failure” of both school authorities and state machinery in safeguarding children.
The editorial alleged that the private school attempted to suppress the matter after the parents reported the incident. It was only after approaching the police that an FIR was filed and the accused driver arrested. Investigations revealed that the school bus lacked a valid permit and operated without a female attendant, prompting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to cancel the vehicle’s licence and impose a Rs 24,000 fine.
Saamana recalled a similar incident two years ago in Badlapur, where two schoolgirls were sexually assaulted and the school management allegedly tried to cover it up. The editorial condemned the government for projecting individuals linked to such cases as corporators, suggesting it sends a dangerous message that offenders can act with impunity.
Despite previous assurances from the RTO, transport police, and the state government to tighten regulations on school transport, the latest case underscores the “hollow” nature of these promises. The editorial also targeted welfare schemes like Laadki Bahin and Laadki Lek, accusing the government of seeking women’s votes while failing to ensure their safety.
Saamana described the authorities’ response as reactive rather than preventive, stating that action is taken only after tragedies occur, calling for stronger measures to protect children in schools across Maharashtra.