The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi held a protest in Latur on Saturday as part of its Statewide stir against the sexual assault on two girls in a school in Badlapur in Thane district and the Maharashtra Government’s alleged mishandling of the case.

Workers of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) wore black arm bands and masks to cover their mouths as part of the protest, which was held at Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Chowk in the morning. They shouted slogans against the State and Union Governments and said concrete steps must be taken to tackle crimes against women. The MVA had called for a ‘Maharashtra bandh’ on Saturday but it had to be withdrawn after the Bombay High Court on Friday restrained all parties and individuals from proceeding with it.

Meanwhile, BJP workers on Saturday demonstrated in Thane against the Maha Vikas Aghadi, accusing the Opposition parties of trying to politicise the alleged sexual abuse of two minor girls at a school in Badlapur.

Protesters, led by BJP’s Thane district president Sanjay Waghule and MLA Sanjay Kelkar, assembled in front of Ahilyadevi memorial amid rains and demanded swift justice for the victim girls.

“This is a severe incident which has devastated the family members of the victims. However, leaders of MVA are busy politicising this tragedy. They are trying to defame Maharashtra,” Waghule alleged.

Kelkar alleged that MVA leaders are eyeing power and lack sensitivity.

Local BJP leaders, former corporators, women wing members, and other office-bearers joined the protest.

The MVA staged protests across Maharashtra, accusing the Mahayuti Government of inefficient handling of the Badlapur incident, which triggered a massive rail roko demonstration on Tuesday.