Today, on 3rd October, The Bombay High Court ordered a speedy investigation into the killing of Shinde, a sexual assault accused from Badlapur, who was shot dead by the Thane Police in an encounter last month. The court emphasized the need for a thorough and prompt probe to determine the circumstances of his death. This decision follows concerns raised about the legitimacy of the encounter.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court, On Thursday, ordered a fast-tracked magisterial inquiry into the death of Akshay Shinde, an accused in a Badlapur sexual assault case, who recently shot dead by Thane Police.
A Bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and PK Chavan directed that the inquiry report be submitted by the next hearing scheduled for November 18.
Read Also: Badlapur Encounter Case: Petition Moved in Supreme Court Seeking to Form an SIT
The Court emphasized the importance of the magisterial inquiry in cases of custodial deaths, stating,
“Law requires that when there is a custodial death, the investigation be conducted by the Magistrate. Let the investigation be conducted. We will wait for the report of the magistrate.”
The Court’s decision came in response to a petition filed by Shinde’s father.
Akshay Shinde, who accused of sexual assault, was shot dead in an encounter by Thane Police last month. Shinde’s father has since called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, alleging the encounter was staged.
In a previous hearing, the Bombay High Court raised several concerns about the police’s account of events, questioning how four officers failed to subdue a single individual and the specific circumstances under which Shinde was shot.
Shinde, 23, had been arrested and placed in judicial custody after allegedly sexually assaulting two kindergarten students at a school in Badlapur in August. On September 23, while in custody at Taloja Jail, Shinde was taken into police custody once more in relation to a separate sexual abuse case filed by his wife. While en route to Thane, he allegedly managed to snatch a gun from one of the constables and injure him before being fatally shot by another officer in the vehicle.
The investigation into this encounter has been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
During the latest hearing, the High Court inquired about the progress made in the investigation since the last session. Advocate General Dr. Birendra Saraf responded, stating that the Court’s prior directives had been followed.
The Court also asked whether forensic experts had examined the vehicle involved in the incident and noted that the circumstances surrounding the constable’s gunshot injury would need further investigation.
The Court also advised the petitioner’s counsel to refrain from speaking to the media.
The Court stated,
“The less you speak, the less you address the media, the better. We are here to do justice for everyone,”
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