Mon Sep 23 19:12:16 UTC 2024: ## Accused in Badlapur School Sex Abuse Case Dies in Police Custody
**Thane, Maharashtra:** A man accused of sexual assault in the recent Badlapur school case died on Monday after a shootout with police while being transported to the crime scene. The accused, Akshay Shinde, was being taken from Taloja jail to Badlapur by the Thane Crime Branch when he allegedly snatched a revolver from an officer and fired three shots, injuring a police constable. In self-defense, police returned fire, resulting in Shinde’s death. He was later pronounced dead at Kalwa Hospital.
Shinde’s ex-wife had filed a case against him for unnatural sex, and the Thane Crime Branch was investigating the matter. The incident occurred just a month after two kindergarten girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by a male attendant at a private school in Badlapur, bringing the area under intense scrutiny.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the incident, stating that Shinde fired upon police personnel while being transported for investigation. The Chief Minister expressed sorrow over the police officer’s injury and stated that the police action was in self-defense. He further assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
However, the incident has sparked outrage and criticism from the opposition. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule slammed the Mahayuti government, alleging a breakdown of law enforcement and the justice system. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole demanded a court-led investigation into the incident and questioned why the government was trying to protect “main culprits”.
The tragic incident has re-ignited the debate on police brutality and the accountability of law enforcement agencies in the state. While the investigation is ongoing, the incident raises serious concerns about the safety of accused individuals in police custody and the need for transparent procedures to ensure justice is served.
First Piper 