Tue Sep 24 17:39:05 UTC 2024: ## Police Officer Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Shooting of Badlapur Sexual Assault Accused
**Thane, India** – A day after the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case, Akshay Shinde, was killed in an alleged retaliatory shooting by police, the officer responsible for the fatal shot has claimed self-defense. Inspector Sanjay Shinde, who fired the shot, maintained that Shinde became aggressive while being transported from Taloja jail to Thane and attempted to seize a firearm.
According to Shinde, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon near the Mumbra bypass. While being escorted in the back of a police van, Shinde reportedly began shouting, threatening the officers, and demanding to know why he was being moved again. Shinde’s behavior escalated when he allegedly grabbed Assistant Police Inspector (API) Nilesh More’s pistol, leading to a struggle during which the weapon discharged, injuring More in his thigh.
Shinde then allegedly fired two more shots, both missing their targets, before Inspector Shinde fired a single shot, incapacitating the accused. Shinde was rushed to a hospital but declared dead on arrival.
“Akshay Shinde fired three shots, one which injured the ASI and two that missed,” said Inspector Shinde. “Fearing for my life and the safety of my colleagues, I fired a single shot.”
The police have recovered the shell casings and are investigating the incident. The incident has sparked outrage and questions about the use of lethal force by the police. The Thane police have initiated an internal investigation into the matter.
First Piper 