Badlapur Rape Accused Shot Dead in Custody

In a dramatic incident, Akshay Shinde, accused of raping two young girls in Maharashtra’s Badlapur, was shot dead by police on Monday after he snatched a police officer’s weapon and opened fire. The accused sustained critical injuries and later died at the hospital.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 5:30 PM when Shinde, while being transported from Taloja jail to Badlapur for investigation, grabbed a weapon from a police officer and fired at the cops. Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More and Inspector Sanjay Shinde were injured during the gunfire exchange. Sanjay Shinde, an encounter specialist, retaliated by shooting the accused. Sanjay Shinde has a history of high-profile cases, including the arrest of Dawood Ibrahim’s brother Iqbal Kaskar, and is part of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

Akshay Shinde had been arrested on August 17 for sexually assaulting two girls, aged four and five, in a school toilet. The heinous crime had sparked massive protests and public outrage in the region. Initially investigated by the local police, the case was later transferred to the SIT by the Maharashtra government following allegations of police negligence.

A separate case has also been registered against the school chairman and secretary under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for their failure to report , the school chairman and secretary filed a pre-arrest bail plea in the Bombay High Court.

The Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter and is overseeing the investigation, ensuring transparency and justice in the case. The accused, Akshay Shinde, worked as a cleaner at the school, where the heinous crime occurred.

The incident, involving the sexual abuse of two young girls aged four and five in a school toilet, sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests throughout the Badlapur region. The local police faced severe criticism for their handling of the case, with allegations of negligence and delay in arresting the accused.

Due to the public pressure and the seriousness of the crime, the Maharashtra government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the case. The team, led by experienced officers, including Inspector Sanjay Shinde, has been tasked with ensuring a thorough and unbiased investigation.

In addition to the arrest of Akshay Shinde, legal action was also initiated against the school authorities for failing to report the incident immediately. The school’s chairman and secretary were charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which mandates strict action against individuals or institutions who do not report sexual abuse cases involving minors in a timely manner.

On Monday, the chairman and secretary filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The High Court, already monitoring the investigation, is expected to decide on their petition soon. The court’s involvement ensures that the investigation proceeds without interference, providing some hope for justice to the victims and their families.

The Badlapur case has raised significant questions about the safety of children in schools and the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure a safe environment. This case also highlights the need for timely action and transparency in law enforcement, particularly when dealing with crimes against minors.

As the investigation continues under the supervision of the Bombay High Court, authorities are working to ensure that all those responsible for the lapses in this case are held accountable. The death of Akshay Shinde in police custody has brought temporary closure to his involvement, but the legal proceedings against the school authorities and the continued focus on the investigation by the SIT are critical to delivering justice in this case.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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