Thane news: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) will install CCTV surveillance systems in all its 124 municipal schools to enhance security and safety of the students, especially girls.

Two nursery girls were allegedly raped by a 23-year-old in a Badlapur school in August 2024. The accused Akshay Shinde, who was employed as a contractual sweeper in the school, was arrested five days after the incident.

Shinde was killed while being escorted by the police after he allegedly snatched a policeman's gun and fired, injuring an assistant police inspector. The alleged custodial death of Shinde has been challenged before the Bombay High Court.

With a view to prevent any Badlapur like incident, TMC will install CCTVs at a cost of Rs 2.96 crore. It will enable real-time monitoring of over 28,000 students across 124 schools housed located in 77 different locations, a TMC official said.

A total of 977 CCTV cameras will be installed in primary and secondary schools, covering school grounds, corridors, staircases, outside restrooms, entrances, and even sensitive surrounding areas. The system will be centrally monitored from the principals’ offices.

The state government has mandated CCTV installation in all schools and warned of action in case of failure to comply with the orders.

"The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Incidents like the one in Badlapur have shaken public trust. Through this initiative, we aim to create a secure and fear-free learning environment for every student," a TMC official said.