It also called for steps within the police machinery to sensitise cops.The bench directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the government to probe the case to file a report by August 27 stating what steps it has taken about the recording of girls’ statements and their families.The report will also have to state why there was a delay in registering the FIR by the Badlapur police and in recording the statement of the second victim, the court said.”We are appalled that the Badlapur police has not taken any steps to take the statement of the second girl till date,” HC said.The court said if it comes to know that there has been an attempt to hush up the case then it won’t hesitate to take action against the police officer concerned.”Also tell us what steps is the state government taking to ensure the safety and security of girls. There can be no compromise on this,” HC said.The bench further said that the school authorities were aware of the incident but kept silent and did not inform the police.Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, non-reporting of a sexual assault is also an offence, said the court.”This should have been done even before SIT was constituted. It was incumbent on the police to take action. Non-reporting of such incidents is also an offence,” the court said.Advocate General Birendra Saraf assured the court that action would be taken against the school authority concerned on Thursday itself.”You will be taking action against school for not reporting. School authorities had not come forward. Whosoever is responsible for the delay, action will be taken. No one will be spared,” the court said.Saraf informed the bench that the statement of one of the girls has been recorded before a magistrate and the statement of the second victim girl would be taken on Thursday.The court sought to know why there was a delay in doing that.The bench directed the SIT to also submit the original case diary maintained by the Badlapur police, a copy of the FIR and other papers related to the case.Saraf informed the court that the errant police officials from the Badlapur police station have been suspended.The bench said the suspension was not enough.The alleged sexual assault on the two kindergarten students by a male attendant had sparked a massive protest in Badlapur on Tuesday.The male attendant, who was arrested on August 17, allegedly assaulted the kids in the school’s toilet.A local court on Wednesday extended his police custody till August 26.
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