Synopsis
Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizes the BJP-led Mahayuti government, asserting Akshay Shinde's murder in a fake encounter was politically motivated due to upcoming elections. The Bombay High Court's findings support these allegations, revealing deep-rooted issues within law enforcement and political circles in Maharashtra.Key Takeaways
- Akshay Shinde's murder linked to political motives.
- Editorial condemns BJP and Eknath Shinde's response.
- High Court's findings implicate police and political leaders.
- Calls for accountability from higher authorities.
- Swift justice demanded in serious cases highlighted.
Mumbai, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized the BJP-led Mahayuti government in its editorial for 'Saamna' following the Bombay High Court's remarks that the inquiry report substantiated claims of Akshay Shinde's murder being a fake encounter. The editorial emphasized that Shinde's case could have been expedited and severely punished, but the timing coincided with the upcoming Assembly elections, leading to his death under dubious circumstances.
It also alleged that the moment Akshay Shinde was 'killed', the BJP and Shiv Sena, under Eknath Shinde, turned it into a significant spectacle to shape the electoral environment.
“Post the murder of Akshay Shinde, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis celebrated together, igniting a competition for credit. Posters proclaiming 'Devabhau's justice' adorned the streets featuring Fadnavis wielding a weapon, dubbing him 'Singham'. However, the inquiry committee condemned it as a fake encounter and implicated five police officers,” the editorial noted.
“The court should also hold the Thane Police Commissioner, Thane Guardian Minister, and Home Minister accountable. This murder could not have transpired without their approval. Akshay Shinde's case warranted a fast-track trial and appropriate punishment. In comparison, the Kolkata female doctor's rape and murder case saw the court impose a life sentence on the perpetrator, despite the West Bengal government's plea for capital punishment. Public sentiment strongly favors swift justice in such matters, which often contradicts legal frameworks. Consequently, murders like Akshay Shinde's are politically motivated. Following his murder, a surge of serious sexual assault incidents occurred in the Badlapur-Ambernath region, including the shocking case of Vishal Gawli, who raped and murdered a minor,” the editorial stated.
“The community demanded Vishal Gawli face a similar fate as Akshay Shinde. Despite Gawli's heinous crime, the elections had concluded, leading authorities to show little interest in apprehending him,” it added.
“The High Court has unveiled the deceit of the Home Minister and police in the Akshay Shinde incident. Will the BJP or Shinde faction accuse the High Court, or will they deflect blame onto Pandit Nehru? The officer responsible for the fake encounter, Sanjay Shinde, is also a criminal disguised in uniform, previously linked to the Dawood Ibrahim gang. He is notorious for assisting arrested criminals for financial gain. Although he and his associates were proposed for the Police Bravery Medal, the court has thwarted those plans,” the editorial remarked.
Earlier, the High Court sentenced 20 police officers to life imprisonment for a fabricated encounter in the Lakhanbhaiya Pathak case, including Pradeep Sharma, a police officer affiliated with Eknath Shinde. Reports suggest Sharma orchestrated Akshay Shinde's fake encounter.
The Badlapur sexual assault case captured national attention when a girl was raped at school. Initially, the management attempted to conceal the incident, and police hesitated to register the victim's mother's complaint. The situation escalated when residents protested, prompting law enforcement to act and subsequently arrest Akshay Shinde.
In response to the murder of Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, Shiv Sena UBT questioned why the attackers were not subjected to a similar encounter as Akshay Shinde.
