The family of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case, has disputed the police’s account that he shot at an officer first, prompting a retaliatory act in self-defense that led to his death.
Shinde’s relatives also alleged that he was coerced into confessing to the crime under police pressure.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Monday night that a high-level investigation has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding Shinde’s death.
Shinde’s body was transferred from the Kalwa civic hospital in Thane to Mumbai’s J J Hospital for an autopsy on Tuesday, according to a senior police official. The autopsy is being carried out at J J Hospital.
Shinde, aged 24, was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur. A contractual sweeper at the school, he was arrested on August 17, five days after the alleged assault took place in the school’s bathroom.
According to police, Shinde was shot dead near the Mumbra Bypass in Thane on Monday after he allegedly snatched a policeman’s gun while being transported as part of an investigation into a separate case filed by his ex-wife. Shinde reportedly shot an assistant police inspector (API), leading another officer to fire in response. Shinde was later pronounced dead at the Kalwa civic hospital.
However, Shinde’s family members have contested the police version, denying claims that he first fired at officers. His mother and uncle, speaking to reporters outside the hospital, stated, “It’s not true that he grabbed the officer’s gun and fired first. The police forced him to confess to a crime he may not have committed.”
Shinde’s father, Anna Shinde, has called for an inquiry into his son’s death, while his mother and uncle suggested a possible conspiracy involving the police and the school’s management. They alleged that Shinde had told them he was being beaten in custody and had secretly sent a note asking for money.
The family insisted that Akshay could not have taken the officer’s gun, adding that he had never exhibited violent tendencies and had been optimistic about his release. “He was afraid of even simple things like fireworks. How could he shoot at police officers?” his mother questioned.
Shinde’s family also criticized the fact that he was not brought to trial before his death, adding that the charges against him had yet to be proven. His mother recalled him frequently asking when he would be freed.
Meanwhile, videos surfaced on social media showing Shinde’s body being taken for an autopsy. His parents were seen outside the locked gates of Kalwa hospital, waiting to see their son’s body, but were denied access. The hospital was heavily guarded, with a strong police presence in the area.
NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad also criticized the police’s version of events, calling it “baseless.” He questioned how a handcuffed suspect could overpower officers and seize a weapon while surrounded by police. Awhad further claimed that the incident was a premeditated killing and accused the ruling party of orchestrating it to gain political advantage in the upcoming elections. He also raised concerns about the ownership of the school where the assault occurred, asking, “Who is Apte?” in reference to a person allegedly involved.
(With inputs from agency)
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