Badlapur sexual assault case: Accused shot dead after opening fire in police custody

NEW DELHI: Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case, was shot dead while being taken to a transit remand for two rape cases against him. The incident occurred at the Mumbra Bypass at approximately 6:15 pm.
According to a senior police official, Akshay managed to snatch a gun from an officer and fired at officer Nilesh More, injuring him in thigh.In retaliation, another officer returned fire, striking Shinde in the temple. He was critically injured and later succumbed to his injuries.
Akshay was arrested last month for allegedly assaulting two girls, aged four and five, inside the school’s washroom where he worked as an attendant. While in police custody, Shinde reportedly snatched a police officer’s weapon and opened fire on officers. One police officer was injured during the attack. Shinde was also critically injured in the retaliatory firing and was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to injuries.

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde confirmed the details, saying, "Accused Akshay Shinde was being brought to Badlapur from Taloja jail for interrogation when he opened fire at API Nilesh More. Nilesh More is injured. The police retaliated in self-defense. This is what I have come to know as of now."
However, Akshay’s family has questioned the police account, claiming the encounter was staged. His parents, who met him earlier that day in Taloja jail, stated that their son "couldn’t even kill a mosquito," and accused the police of political motivations behind the encounter.
Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis defended the police, saying, "He snatched the police gun and fired at the officers. The police acted in self-defense. Opposition raises questions about everything, but when he attacked the police, would they not defend themselves?"
The case sparked further controversy when additional charges was filed against the school’s chairman and secretary under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. They are accused of negligence for failing to report the assault promptly. Their plea for pre-arrest bail, denied by a special court, will now be heard by the Bombay High Court on October 1.
The case drew widespread public outrage, leading to additional charges against the school’s chairman and secretary under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The two school officials are being charged with negligence and failure to promptly report the incident. Their plea for pre-arrest bail, denied by a special court, will now be heard by the Bombay High Court on October 1.
In response to the growing criticism over the investigation, the Maharashtra government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case further. Additionally, the Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and is monitoring the investigation.