In Maharashtra (Maharashtra), an accused named Akshay Shinde, involved in the exploitation of minor girls at a school in Badlapur, was killed in a police encounter. The police reported that the incident took place while they were transporting Akshay from Taloja Jail. This event has heated the political atmosphere in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders raising questions about the encounter. Allegations are flying between the ruling Mahayuti government and the opposition, claiming this as a move to destroy evidence, especially since the school's owner is a BJP leader.
Following the encounter, the police explained that the suspect, being transported in a vehicle, snatched Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More's pistol and fired at the escorting police team, injuring three officers. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Shinde was killed. An SIT team has arrived at the site of the encounter to gather more information.
'Case Closed'
Raising questions about the encounter, former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh remarked that it is not possible for a handcuffed individual to fire a gun.
Deshmukh stated, "When Akshay Shinde’s hands were bound, how could he fire a gun? The school in question belongs to a BJP leader. Efforts to suppress this case began from the start, and the encounter was orchestrated to close the matter. This incident needs to be investigated by a retired High Court judge."
'I Don't Trust Maharashtra Police...'
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule remarked that this incident signifies a complete failure of law enforcement and judicial system in Maharashtra, while Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan termed it as a 'black day' for Maharashtra Police.
Prithviraj Chavan said, "The accused was ruthlessly murdered. No one will believe this was an encounter. I have requested the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who was in Mumbai at the time, to investigate. I do not believe the current government in Maharashtra can deliver justice. The real culprits behind this crime will never be uncovered."
Read More: Who is Inspector Sanjay Shinde? The Officer Behind the Badlapur Encounter of Rape Accused Akshay Shinde
"Will the Government Respond?"
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned the encounter through a social media post, saying, "Where are the trustees of the Badlapur school? Why is the BJP-Mindhe government protecting them? What about Vaman Mhatre, who asked a journalist why she was questioning the incident as if she was the one raped? Why is he being shielded?"
Aaditya Thackeray raised more questions, "Will the cases against protesting citizens be withdrawn? These citizens were treated like criminals just for protesting against the police’s delay in registering a complaint for over a week." Aaditya further questioned the police, "Who was the police station protecting? It is believed that the school's trustees are linked to the BJP and are being safeguarded. Is this true? Will the government respond?"
Read More: Family's Accusations, Opposition's Questions, and Police's Theory... Maharashtra Government Cornered Over Badlapur Encounter
