MUMBAI: In the matter of the Badlapur sexual assault case, a local court has remanded 23-year-old accused Akshay Shinde to police custody until August 26, 2024. Shinde, who was employed as a cleaner cum attendant at the school where he allegedly perpetrated the crime was presented in court under heavy police security.

Shinde is accused of sexually assaulting two four-year-old girls at a nursery school's washroom in Badlapur, Maharashtra. The incident, which occurred on August 12 and 13, sparked widespread outrage and protests in the region leading to a massive protest on Tuesday. The FIR was, however, registered on August 16, and the accused was arrested the following day, according to police documents was first presented in court the next day.

Enraged over the alleged sexual abuse of the two young girls, the protests in the town and at the railway station turned violent as angry agitators vandalized the school on Tuesday. Later, the crowds resorted to stopping local trains at Badlapur and indulged in stone-pelting at the local railway station.

The protests led to clashes with police, resulting in injuries to at least 25 officers and the arrest of over 72 individuals involved in the violence. In response to the escalating situation, authorities have suspended internet services in the area and ordered schools to remain closed. Responding to the public outcry, the Maharashtra government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by senior IPS officer Arti Singh to ensure a thorough inquiry into the case.

Taking suo motu cognizance of the case, the Bombay High Court reprimanded the police for their delayed response to the allegations while describing the crime as 'absolutely shocking' and said, "The sexual assault of the two girls was "not only heinous but also shocks the conscience of one and all." The court directed the SIT to file a report by August 27 on what steps it had taken regarding recording of the statements of the girls and their families.

Meanwhile, the Kalyan Bar Association has announced a boycott of the case, stating that no advocate will represent Shinde. This decision was taken considering the gravity of the situation and the community's demand for justice for the young victims. The association's stance has garnered support from various quarters, emphasizing the need for accountability in such heinous crimes.