Tue Sep 24 06:12:42 UTC 2024: ## Accused in Badlapur Sexual Assault Case Killed in Crossfire During Transfer
**Mumbai, India** – Akshay Shinde, the accused in the August sexual assault of two minors in Badlapur, was killed in a crossfire on Monday while being transported to Badlapur from Taloja jail for investigation.
Police officials reported that Shinde, who was in custody, managed to grab a revolver from a police officer and fired at him, injuring him. In response, other officers present fired back at Shinde, resulting in his death. The incident occurred on the Mumbra bypass, where Shinde reportedly also fired shots into the air.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the incident, stating that Shinde had been taken for investigation as his ex-wife had filed a sexual assault case against him. The Chief Minister also confirmed that the injured officer, Nilesh More, has been admitted to the hospital.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis refuted allegations from the opposition, stating that police acted in self-defense after Shinde attacked them. Fadnavis also criticized the opposition’s questioning of the incident, reminding them that they had previously called for Shinde to be hanged.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey urged the Maharashtra government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident, citing doubts about the events leading to Shinde’s death. He demanded that the government and police clarify the situation to the public.
The case has sparked outrage and protests across Maharashtra following the August 12-13 assault on two four-year-old girls at a Badlapur school. Shinde, a cleaning staff member at the school, was arrested on August 17 for the assault.
The incident has led to widespread protests in Badlapur and surrounding areas, with demonstrators demanding justice for the victims. Protests included blocking rail tracks, damaging school property, and internet shutdown in the area. Police have filed FIRs against 300 people involved in the protests.
First Piper 