Thane Police Contest Fake Encounter Allegations in Badlapur Sexual Assault Case

Two Thane police officers, accused in the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, have denied claims of a staged encounter. They approached the Bombay High Court to intervene in the ongoing case. The officers, Senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde and Assistant Inspector Nilesh More, refuted allegations made by Akshay's father, Anna Shinde, that his son was killed in a fake encounter on September 23 last year.

The officers argued that any decision made without their input could damage their reputations. This move follows a magistrate's inquiry implicating five policemen, including them, in Akshay's death. Akshay was accused of sexually assaulting two minors at a school in Badlapur, Thane district, where he worked as an attendant.

Allegations and Inquiry Findings

The police claimed Akshay snatched a gun from an officer during transport from Taloja prison and fired at them, leading to his death in retaliatory firing. However, the inquiry questioned this self-defence claim. The report, submitted to the High Court, supported allegations of a fake encounter if forensic evidence is considered.

Magistrate Ashok Shengde's report highlighted doubts about the police's self-defence argument. The High Court noted that Maharashtra must register a case based on the inquiry findings. Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale sought clarity on which agency would investigate further.

Forensic Evidence and Legal Proceedings

The forensic report found no fingerprints of Akshay on the gun he allegedly seized. This raised questions about the police's account of events. The magistrate's report concluded that the five officers were responsible for Akshay's death.

Assistant Inspector More requested a copy of the magistrate's report after sustaining a bullet injury during the incident. Senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde sought to participate in the hearing of Anna Shinde's petition. The High Court is set to hear the case again on February 6.

The magistrate's investigation suggested that the use of force by the police might not have been justified. The incident occurred in a moving vehicle where four officers could have managed the situation differently. This casts doubt on their self-defence claims.

The magistrate's findings have put the actions of head constables Abhijeet More, Harish Tawade, and driver Satish Khatal under scrutiny as well. The court will continue to examine these findings and determine further legal actions based on the evidence presented.

The ongoing legal proceedings aim to uncover the truth behind Akshay Shinde's death and ensure accountability for those involved. The case highlights concerns over police conduct and the need for thorough investigations into such incidents.