In a dramatic turn of events, a 23-year-old man accused of sexually harassing two nursery school girls in Badlapur, Maharashtra, was shot dead by the police after he allegedly snatched a constable’s gun and fired at officers. The accused, Akshay Shinde, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital following the incident.
According to the police, the encounter occurred while Shinde was being transported from the Taloja jail in connection with a new rape and assault case filed by his first wife.
As the police team approached the Mumbra bypass, Shinde reportedly grabbed the gun from a constable and fired, injuring Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More. In response, Senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde returned fire, critically injuring the accused. Shinde was declared dead at the hospital.
The Police Response
Sanjay Shinde, who fired the fatal shot, has a notable history within law enforcement. A former officer in the Mumbai Police, he now serves as part of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the Badlapur rape case. Shinde has faced scrutiny in the past, having been involved in multiple inquiries, including a case where he allegedly exchanged fire with a fellow officer after an altercation at a bar.
ALSO READ: Accused in not mentally unstable: Parents of Badlapur sexual assault accused tell cops
Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the alleged assault of two nursery students in Badlapur, Maharashtra, had recorded statements from the accused’s father and brother. The SIT was formed following public outrage, which prompted a comprehensive review of the case, previously criticized for being mishandled by local authorities.
Family Refutes Claims of Mental Instability
According to sources, the accused’s family members stated that he was mentally fit, dismissing any claims of mental instability. They further characterized him as having a “cruel mentality,” lending credibility to allegations of abusive behaviour. The accused, who was employed as an attendant at the school where the incident occurred, is facing serious charges of assaulting the children, a case that has ignited widespread protests throughout Maharashtra.
Public Outcry and the SIT Investigation
The Badlapur sexual assault case has spurred anger across the state, with demonstrators demanding swift justice for the victims. The SIT continues to gather evidence, ensuring a thorough investigation amid growing calls for accountability.
