Badlapur sexual assault case: Custodial Death of Akshay Shinde, 5 Policemen Held Responsible

Badlapur sexual assault case: A magistrate inquiry into the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, who was accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case, has held five police officers responsible for his death. The Bombay High Court, hearing a plea from Shinde’s father, Anna Shinde, has directed the registration of an FIR against the officers, raising serious questions about the police’s account of the events leading to Shinde’s death.

The inquiry report, which was submitted to the Bombay High Court, contested the police’s version of the story that Shinde died in a shootout on September 23 while being taken for questioning. The police had said that Shinde, 24, snatched a weapon from an officer and fired, prompting them to return fire. However, forensic evidence goes against this story, hinting at foul play.

A bench consisting of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale examined the report and called for an independent probe. The court directed public prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar to communicate with it within two weeks on which agency will conduct the probe. Senior police inspector Sanjay Shinde and assistant police inspector Nilesh More are among the five officers whose names have been mentioned in the inquiry report.

Background of the Badlapur sexual assault case

Akshay Shinde, a school attendant, was arrested in August 2024 for allegedly assaulting two minor girls at the school where he worked. His death in custody has sparked widespread outrage, with allegations of a staged encounter to shield influential figures associated with the school.

Opposition Leaders Demand Accountability

Yet, the controversy was severely criticized by opposition leaders who have raised questions about the duties of police and the state government. NCP leader and former home minister Anil Deshmukh expressed doubts over the police’s version. “How can someone with no knowledge of firearms snatch a police pistol and use it? The state government must conduct a detailed inquiry to uncover why this encounter was carried out and whom it aimed to protect,” Deshmukh said. He also pointed to the school’s alleged connections with individuals close to the ruling BJP.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray echoed the demand for justice. Thackeray called for strict action against the accused officers, while Patole criticized the state’s law enforcement mechanisms, calling for a fair and transparent investigation.

It has become a catalyst for opposition parties to challenge the BJP-led government in Maharashtra. The case actually raises a very deep question of accountability and the misuse of power by the law enforcement agencies. Now, while the investigation unfolds, the state government has everything to do with justice delivered in a case that shook public confidence in the police.