Mumbai: Akshay Shinde, a man accused of sexual abuse, was found dead in a police encounter in Badlapur, Maharashtra, on Monday. The incident has sparked significant controversy, with both the state government and police stating that Shinde snatched an ASI’s pistol and opened fire, prompting police to return fire. However, Shinde’s family claims the encounter was staged, leading to an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The events unfolded on September 23, 2024, when Shinde, who was being held at Taloja prison on charges of sexual harassment filed by his first wife, was taken by police for questioning. Accompanied by four officers, the encounter escalated around 6:15 PM when Shinde allegedly seized the ASI’s firearm and fired at the police, injuring the ASI in the thigh. Police Inspector Sanjay Shinde returned fire, striking Akshay in the head. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Shinde’s mother has publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the encounter, alleging that her son had previously mentioned being beaten by police. “How could he shoot with a pistol? He was scared of firecrackers on Diwali,” she asserted, expressing doubts about the official account. She has also claimed she has been denied access to her son’s body and has refused to accept it, arguing that no formal charges had been laid against him prior to the incident.
The encounter has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. NCP MP Supriya Sule condemned it as indicative of a failing justice system, expressing concerns over the Mahayuti government’s handling of the case, including delays in filing the FIR. Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out the absconding status of a BJP school board member linked to the case, while Congress President Nana Patole suggested that the police are attempting to protect others involved by eliminating the main accused. The investigation into the encounter has now been officially handed over to the CID.
Inspector Sanjay Shinde, who fired at Akshay, has a notable history in the Thane Crime Branch, having previously worked alongside encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma.
The background of the case reveals a shocking series of events. On August 13, 2024, Akshay Shinde, a cleaner at a local school, was accused of sexually abusing two young girls, aged 4 and 6. The girls, terrified to attend school following the incidents, prompted their families to seek medical help, which revealed signs of abuse. Initial attempts by the families to file an FIR were met with delays, leading to public outrage and protests, ultimately resulting in Shinde’s arrest on August 17.
The community in Badlapur reacted with anger to the alleged abuse, with a significant protest disrupting rail traffic for approximately ten hours in response to police inaction.
Comments are closed.