Controversial Police Encounter Results in Death of Accused Akshay Shinde

The Thane Police Crime Branch reported a controversial encounter on Monday, leading to the death of Akshay Shinde, a 24-year-old accused in a serious case of sexual assault. The incident transpired while Shinde was being transferred from Taloja Jail to Badlapur for ongoing investigations. According to police statements, an encounter occurred after Shinde allegedly seized a police officer’s weapon and discharged two rounds, injuring Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More. Another officer reportedly responded with gunfire, leading to Shinde’s death from multiple bullet wounds.

This dynamic unfolded after Shinde’s involvement in multiple legal cases. Notably, Shinde had been accused of sexually assaulting two young girls, aged four, at a pre-primary school in Badlapur. These charges triggered significant public outrage, leading to public protests and a blockade at local railway lines.

Thane police had taken Shinde into custody after a pending production warrant related to a case of unnatural intercourse filed by his estranged wife was issued. The transferral and encounter came under scrutiny as Shinde was set to face further legal proceedings after having already been charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Shinde’s mother, Alka Shinde, contested the police’s version of events, suggesting that her son was incapable of such violence. She further claimed the encounter was premeditated, citing Shinde’s fear of loud noises to support her disbelief that he would fire a weapon.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the police action, stating that if Shinde attacked the police, their response in self-defense could be justified. He remarked on the gravity of Shinde’s alleged crimes, pledging a fast-track trial for justice.

In a separate but related development, the police investigation expanded to include charges against the school’s trust officials for alleged negligence. Subsequent to public and political pressure, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Arti Singh, which has been instrumental in piecing together the series of allegations and events concerning Shinde.