Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that the recent protest in Badlapur, Thane district, over the alleged sexual abuse of two kindergarten girls was politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the state government's image. He stated that most protesters were outsiders, not local residents, and accused the opposition of exploiting the situation. Despite state minister Girish Mahajan agreeing to the protesters' demands, the unrest persisted, leading to the suspension of rail services for over 10 hours and the arrest of 72 individuals.
