Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the police action in the Badlapur sexual assault case, where accused Akshay Shinde was shot and killed. Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave, Fadnavis clarified that the shooting was an act of self-defense, stating that police officers “will not clap” if attacked.
“We do not believe in encounters,” Fadnavis said, emphasizing the importance of following the rule of law. He added, “Our police will not clap if attacked, and they shot at the accused in self-defense.”
Sanjay Raut’s Allegations
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the state’s Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of orchestrating the encounter for political gain. Speaking to reporters, Raut alleged that the Maharashtra government is trying to take credit for the police encounter, with both CM Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis competing to claim responsibility.
Raut further criticized the use of police encounters for political purposes, stating, “Rapists should be taught a tough lesson… but if you encounter such people for your own political gain, then it is wrong.”
Bombay High Court Raises Concerns
The Bombay High Court has also raised concerns about the encounter, questioning the circumstances under which Akshay Shinde was killed. Justice Chavan expressed doubts about the police’s version, stating that it would be difficult for a physically weak individual to fire a pistol or unlock a revolver quickly.
Shinde’s father, Anna Shinde, has filed a petition demanding an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), claiming his son was killed in a fake encounter. The court has ordered the transfer of all case documents to the state CIDfor investigation and raised questions about the delay in this process.
Background of the Case
Akshay Shinde, 23, was arrested in August for allegedly sexually assaulting two girls in a school toilet. According to police reports, Shinde was shot after he allegedly fired at officers while being transported from jail. The incident has sparked controversy, with opposition parties accusing the Mahayuti government of using the encounter for electoral gain, as Maharashtra approaches Assembly elections later this year.
