A major political controversy broke out in Maharashtra after the Bharatiya Janata Party nominated Tushar Apte, an accused in the Badlapur child sexual abuse case, as a corporator in the Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council. The decision triggered intense public anger and political backlash, leading to Apte’s resignation within hours of the announcement.
The BJP announced Apte’s nomination on Friday along with four other nominated corporators. Almost immediately, citizens, activists and opposition leaders raised serious objections, questioning how an individual facing grave charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act could be appointed to a civic post. The move was widely seen as inappropriate and insensitive, given the nature of the allegations involved.
The controversy is linked to an incident from August 2024, when two minor girls were allegedly sexually abused at a prominent school in Badlapur. The case had sparked widespread protests and outrage at the time. The school’s sanitation worker, Akshay Shinde, was identified as the main accused and was later killed in a police encounter. Tushar Apte, who was serving as secretary to the school’s president, Uday Kotwal, was also named as an accused in the case under the POCSO Act.
Following the registration of the case, both Kotwal and Apte reportedly went into hiding and were arrested nearly 40 days later by the Thane Crime Branch from a farmhouse in Karjat. Apte was granted bail within 48 hours of his arrest. The case remains pending before the Kalyan District and Sessions Court.
After Apte’s nomination, opposition parties accused the BJP of displaying a shocking lack of sensitivity, especially towards issues concerning child safety. Leaders from rival parties said the decision reflected poorly on the ruling party’s priorities and judgment.
NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule strongly criticised the move, stating that nominating an accused in a child sexual abuse case crossed all limits of insensitivity. She said that the safety and dignity of children and women should be central concerns for any political party, and accused the BJP of undermining these values by offering a public role to someone facing serious criminal charges.
Amid growing criticism and negative public reaction, Apte resigned from the post, reportedly after the BJP’s state leadership intervened. In a brief statement, Apte said he chose to step down to prevent harm to the party’s image and to avoid further controversy affecting the school’s reputation.
