'This isn't an encounter': HC on Badlapur accused's custodial death
The Bombay High Court has raised serious questions over the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, a man accused of sexually abusing two girls at a Badlapur school. The court expressed skepticism about the police's version of events, suggesting potential foul play and stating that the incident could not be "termed an encounter." It also ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from when Shinde was taken from jail until his death at Shivaji Hospital.
Court questions police narrative of Shinde's death
According to the police, Shinde was being transported from Taloja jail to Badlapur when he allegedly snatched a pistol from Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More and fired at the escorting police team, injuring the assistant inspector. The court expressed doubts over this account, stating "This is hard to believe. Prima facie, there is foul play. A layman cannot fire a pistol... A weak man cannot load a pistol as it needs strength."
Court directs collection of call data records
The court also questioned why the four police officers present could not overpower Shinde after he fired the first shot. "Why was the accused shot in head directly and not in legs or arms first. The moment he pulled the first trigger the others could have easily overpowered him." "He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept," Justice Prithviraj Chavan said.
Shinde's death sparks political controversy in Maharashtra
The court further directed the state to collect Call Data Records (CDRs), including those from the driver of the police vehicle. The matter will be heard next Thursday. "We aren't even remotely suspecting the activities of the police. We only want to know the truth. Just come clean," said the court. The Bombay High Court also ordered that all case papers be immediately handed over to the Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID), which will be investigating Shinde's death.
Petition for special investigation into Shinde's death
The court was hearing a petition filed by Shinde's father, who requested a Special Investigation Team probe into his son's death. "In the present case, the police is deciding who is convicted...This is setting a bad example (and) encouraging police to commit such," the counsel said. The petitioner alleged that his son was killed due to the upcoming assembly elections. The 24-year-old accused was arrested on August 17 for allegedly sexually abusing two four-year-old girls at the school toilet.
