Maharashtra Government Claims Police Acted in Self-Defence in Badlapur Case Shooting Incident

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that police shot Akshay Shinde in self-defence. Akshay, accused of sexually assaulting two minors at a school where he worked, was being transported for investigation. During transit, he allegedly grabbed a policeman's gun and fired at an officer, prompting retaliatory fire from the police.

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the incident, questioning whether it was an attempt to destroy evidence. They demanded a judicial probe into the circumstances surrounding Akshay Shinde's death. Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar expressed doubts about the police's actions and called for an investigation.

Opposition Demands Inquiry

Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Sushma Andhare compared this incident to a 2019 case in Telangana where police claimed self-defence in a similar situation. She questioned how Akshay managed to snatch a gun despite being handcuffed and why the school management remains unaccounted for. Andhare urged Deputy CM Fadnavis to address these issues.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole insisted on an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge. He expressed distrust in the government, suggesting it failed to protect girls or deliver justice. Patole also criticised the Maharashtra police under DGP Rashmi Shukla for inefficiency.

Political Reactions Intensify

In a post on X, Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray described the incident as reckless and suspicious. He questioned why the school management board directors remain unfound and suggested a neutral inquiry is necessary. Thackeray warned against political exploitation of the situation.

CM Shinde responded by criticising opposition parties for their shifting stance on Akshay Shinde's punishment. He accused them of questioning the integrity of Maharashtra police for political gain. Shinde dismissed allegations that the incident was politically motivated.

Government Defends Police Actions

Deputy CM Fadnavis reiterated that police acted in self-defence during the incident. He noted that Akshay was being taken to Badlapur for further investigation into allegations made by his ex-wife. Fadnavis criticised opposition parties for questioning police actions when they previously demanded severe punishment for Akshay.

NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar called for an in-depth inquiry into the incident, questioning the Home Department's actions during Akshay's transfer from Taloja Jail. Meanwhile, Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske described the event as "nature's justice" and accused opposition parties of politicising it.

Legal Perspectives and Evidence

Ujjwal Nikam, who served as public prosecutor in cases against Akshay Shinde, mentioned that two chargesheets had been filed with sufficient evidence against him. Nikam speculated that this might have led Akshay to attempt ending his life but stressed that only a judicial probe could reveal the truth.

The two minor victims had already identified Akshay Shinde, and additional evidence had been gathered by Maharashtra police. Nikam cautioned against jumping to conclusions about whether it was an encounter.