Tue Sep 24 07:13:14 UTC 2024: ## Family Disputes Police Version of Badlapur School Sex Assault Accused’s Death
**Thane, September 24, 2024:** The family of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case, has disputed the police’s account of his death, claiming he was shot by police while in custody.
Shinde, 24, was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur. He was arrested on August 17th and was killed on Monday evening while being transported for investigation into a separate case filed by his former wife.
The police claim Shinde snatched a policeman’s gun and fired at him, forcing officers to return fire in self-defense. However, Shinde’s family, including his mother, uncle, and father, maintain he could not have taken the gun, asserting he was afraid of fireworks and even crossing the road.
They alleged that Shinde was pressured to confess to the sexual assault charges and was beaten in police custody. His family also questioned why he was shot instead of being brought to court for trial.
“The police got the confessional statement written by him under pressure,” claimed Shinde’s mother and uncle. “They killed our child,” they added, accusing the police and the school management of a conspiracy.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a high-level probe into the incident. Meanwhile, NCP (SP) Kalwa-Mumbra MLA Jitendra Awhad also challenged the police version, asking how a handcuffed accused could snatch a gun from a policeman with five other officers present. He alleged the ruling party was planning to take credit for the incident in the upcoming state elections.
The family’s allegations and the political reactions raise serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding Shinde’s death and demand thorough investigation into the police’s account.
First Piper 