Synopsis
The Maharashtra Opposition has condemned the MahaYuti government following a magistrate's inquiry that found five police officers culpable for the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, linked to the Badlapur school sexual assault case. Allegations of a fake encounter have surfaced, raising significant questions concerning police accountability and political motivations.Key Takeaways
- Five policemen found responsible for Akshay Shinde's custodial death.
- High Court acknowledged allegations of fake encounter.
- Deshmukh claims BJP involvement in orchestrating the incident.
- Concerns over police accountability and political interference.
- Call for investigation into police conduct surrounding the case.
Mumbai, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Opposition criticized the MahaYuti administration on Monday following a magistrate's inquiry that found five police officers accountable for the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, the individual implicated in the Badlapur school sexual assault case.
The Maharashtra High Court was reviewing a petition submitted by Anna Shinde, Akshay's father, who alleged that the police executed his son in a fabricated encounter.
Former State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh (NCP-SP) claimed that the encounter involving Akshay Shinde was orchestrated under the directives of the BJP.
“We previously stated that the accused Shinde did not take his own life but was instead killed by the police. The educational institution where the assault occurred was linked to the BJP,” he contended, questioning if the encounter was intended to shield the officials of the school's management.
He noted that following Akshay Shinde's arrest, police transported him in a vehicle, asserting that he seized a police firearm and shot himself.
“It was claimed he died from this incident. Concurrently, we expressed skepticism. It is impossible for someone to disarm a police officer and shoot because the firearm is secured. Therefore, we demanded an investigation into this incident. The magistrate's findings confirm our suspicions were valid,” Deshmukh remarked.
He added that the firearm allegedly used by Akshay Shinde did not bear his fingerprints. “This raises numerous questions. Who executed this fabricated encounter? On whose orders was it conducted, and who was it intended to protect?” he inquired.
Deshmukh emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the High Court acknowledged the parents' allegations that their son was killed by police in a fake encounter were substantiated by the Forensic Science Laboratory reports.
Additionally, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut asserted that the police had frequently been sacrificed for political advantage.
“In this instance, the police officers who acted on their (political superiors) instructions will become scapegoats. The court ruled that if legal proceedings are initiated, they will be charged under Section 302,” he stated.
Former Maharashtra Leader of Opposition and senior Congress lawmaker Vijay Wadettiwar reiterated that it was not an encounter but rather a murder of Akshay Shinde to eliminate evidence.
“This was a desperate effort to shield the officials of the Badlapur schools allegedly associated with the RSS and BJP,” he accused.
The state BJP president and revenue minister, along with Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat, remarked that it would be inappropriate to comment on the court's observations.
