Mumbai, Sept 25: During a hearing on Wednesday, the Bombay High Court expressed skepticism regarding the police's version of the incident involving the prime accused of Badlapur sexual assault case, Akshay Shinde, who was killed in a "retaliatory firing." The court noted, “It is hard to believe... It requires strength for the slider to pop. Cannot fire a pistol unless he is trained.”
A bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan emphasised, “This can't be termed as an encounter... This is not an encounter.” The judges called for an impartial investigation, stating, “If we see something... we will be inclined to pass an order.”
They ordered investigators to examine multiple abrasions found on Akshay Shinde's body, in addition to the entry and exit wounds, and mandated that an FIR be registered against the police officer involved. The court also questioned whether the deceased had experience with firearms, remarking, “If he has pulled... he must have had some idea... it is difficult to visualise unless the safety was kept open.”
The court noted that the panchanama indicated a pistol was found in blood, yet the forensic officer could not lift any fingerprints. The court inquired, “What was the procedure followed in lifting the fingerprints? Have you taken the fingerprints of the deceased?” In response, the public prosecutor stated he would need to seek instructions on this matter, prompting the court to ask, “How long will it take? Why have you not transferred the papers to CID? We were under the impression that CID is instructing you.”
The case has stirred political tensions in Maharashtra, with opposition parties accusing the ruling Mahayuti government of foul play ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Shinde, 24, was arrested on August 17, accused of sexually assaulting two four-year-old girls at a school in Badlapur. He was killed on September 23 in what the police described as an encounter during his transfer from Taloja Central Jail to the Thane Crime Branch.
According to the police, Shinde allegedly seized an officer’s revolver and opened fire near the Mumbra bypass, prompting officers to shoot him in self-defense. The court, however, remained unconvinced by this version of events and has scheduled a further hearing on October 3, when the police are expected to respond to Akshay Shinde's father's demand for an FIR against the involved officers.
This high-profile case continues to attract widespread attention, raising questions about police accountability and the use of lethal force during encounters
