Tue Sep 24 08:52:12 UTC 2024: ## Accused in Badlapur Sexual Assault Case Killed in Police Encounter: Opposition Alleges Foul Play
**Thane, Maharashtra:** The death of Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two four-year-old girls in a school toilet in Badlapur, has sparked controversy with the Opposition alleging foul play. Shinde was killed in a police encounter while being transferred from Taloja jail to the Thane police station.
According to the police, Shinde snatched a constable’s gun and opened fire, prompting retaliatory firing. However, the Opposition, led by Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar, has demanded a judicial probe, alleging that the killing might be an attempt to protect those connected to the BJP and RSS. Wadettiwar claimed the killing was a deliberate act to silence the accused.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the police action, stating that the opposition is rattled by the success of his government’s “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin” scheme. He claimed Shinde was being taken for investigation related to a sexual assault case filed by his ex-wife.
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the opposition’s claims, stating they question everything and were previously demanding Shinde’s execution.
The incident has triggered widespread protests in Badlapur, where Shinde had allegedly assaulted the two girls in a school toilet on August 12. He was arrested on August 17. The Bombay High Court had previously instructed the police to build a strong case and avoid rushing a chargesheet under public pressure.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar criticized the Home Ministry’s handling of the case, questioning the laxity in transferring the accused. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare drew parallels with the 2019 Telangana gangrape case, where four accused were killed by police.
Shinde’s family members are adamant he was killed as part of a political conspiracy. His father demanded an inquiry, while his mother and uncle alleged police and school management collusion. They claimed Shinde was beaten in custody and sent a note seeking money before his death. They refuted the police version of the encounter, highlighting his timid nature and questioning his ability to snatch a weapon and fire on police.
The Special Investigation Team formed to probe the encounter is currently investigating the vehicle where the incident took place. The case continues to be shrouded in controversy, with the Opposition’s accusations and the police’s version of events offering conflicting narratives.
First Piper 