The Bombay High Court on Friday issued orders to the Maharashtra police to ensure the protection of the family of Akshay Shinde, who stands accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case, and to find a secluded location for his burial without delay. The lawyer representing Akshay Shinde's parents during the Badlapur incident, Amit Katarnavare, stated that at the time of the assault, the accused's father was beaten, and the family was residing on a railway platform. Katarnavare added, 'Threats are still being received.'
Spearheading the state's representation, Chief Public Prosecutor Venegaonkar commented, 'Police officers are already stationed outside their residence. They are under police surveillance to ensure no untoward incident occurs. Regarding the burial issue, diligent efforts are being made. Without delving into too many words, some expressions used by the lawyer (Katarnavare) are now being repudiated by people.'
Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice M.M. Sathaye, who comprised the bench, expressed to Katarnavare, 'We do not understand why you need to make speeches (outside court). Stay limited. Our sole aim is to reach the truth. You will jeopardize your clients' interests.'
On the subject of the burial site, Venegaonkar addressed, 'We perceived they were following tradition with the burial. However, the lawyer's statement implies that this burial is intended to exhumine the body should the government change, allowing for re-investigation. This stance is why people oppose it.'
Katarnavare opposed this, describing the statements as false. Venegaonkar indicated that senior members of Shinde's community have decided to tackle this issue. Yet, the bench stressed, 'No one has the right to decide funeral rites. Only the parents can make this decision.'
Venegaonkar stated that whenever a plot of land is identified and selected for burial, a crowd assembles, vehemently protesting the burial site. Accordingly, the bench emphasized that only a few close family members should attend the burial.
