Mon Sep 23 19:12:13 UTC 2024: ## Political Firestorm Erupts After Badlapur Sexual Assault Accused Killed in Police Encounter

**Mumbai, September 23, 2024:** The encounter killing of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the gruesome Badlapur school sexual assault case, has sparked a political firestorm in Maharashtra, with the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance celebrating the incident and the Opposition raising serious concerns.

The police claim that Shinde was killed in self-defense after he snatched a service revolver and fired upon officers, seriously injuring API Nilesh More. However, the Opposition, including the Congress and NCP, alleges foul play and demanded a thorough investigation.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have defended the police action, reiterating the official narrative. BJP MP Milind Deora echoed this sentiment, questioning the Opposition’s stance and emphasizing the danger posed by the accused.

Congress leaders, on the other hand, believe the encounter is an attempt to shield other accused, including the school’s trustees, who remain at large. Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole called for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the Bombay High Court, highlighting the lack of action against the trustees and questioning the timing of the encounter.

Sharad Pawar, NCP leader, criticized the government’s approach, stating that the incident points to a lack of fear of the law amongst accused. He also demanded a probe into the laxity shown by the Home Department in transferring the accused.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushama Andhare questioned how a handcuffed accused could snatch a revolver, drawing attention to the family’s previous claims of other accused involved in the case. She raised concerns about potential evidence being buried with the accused, drawing parallels to the Hyderabad rape case and its aftermath.

The opposition’s accusations of a cover-up and their calls for an independent inquiry are likely to escalate the political debate in the coming days. The encounter killing has raised serious questions about the justice system in Maharashtra and the handling of sensitive cases involving minors.

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