Protest in Pimpri Demands Full-Time Home Minister, More POCSO Courts
Congress and progressive groups condemn child abuse incidents; raise slogans against state government
Pimpri : Congress leaders and several progressive organisations staged a protest at Pimpri Chowk near Bhimsrushti Memorial, condemning recent incidents of child sexual abuse and murder reported from Nasrapur and Chakan in Pune district.
The demonstrators criticised the state government for alleged inaction and demanded the appointment of a full-time Home Minister along with the establishment of more POCSO courts to ensure swift justice in such cases.
Speaking at the protest, Congress Senior Vice President Narendra Bansode termed the incidents “deeply disturbing,” especially occurring around Maharashtra Day. He stated that the absence of a full-time Home Minister and inadequate number of POCSO courts were contributing to rising crimes, accusing the BJP-led government of failure in maintaining law and order.
Sambhaji Brigade President Satish Kale called for stricter punishment, saying that swift and strong action against the suspects would send a strong message in society. Social activist Manav Kamble emphasised the need for collective responsibility and stricter accountability of the administration to prevent such crimes.
The protest was jointly organised by Congress, Sambhaji Brigade, Maratha Seva Sangh, Jijau Brigade, Veer Bhagat Singh Students’ Council, and other like-minded groups. Protesters raised slogans demanding capital punishment for the accused, more POCSO courts, and stronger governance.
Several leaders and activists, including Samreen Qureshi, Girija Kudale, Kalpana Gite, Somnath Shelke, Abhimanyu Dahifule, Jitendra Chhabda, and others, were present during the agitation.
