The death of Akshay Shinde, accused in a sexual assault case involving two minors, while in police custody has ignited a major political controversy in Maharashtra. Shinde, who allegedly snatched a policeman’s gun and opened fire, was killed by the police in what they described as an act of self-defense. However, his family claims the incident was a staged encounter, calling for justice and raising questions about the official version of events.
The incident occurred on September 23 near Mumbra Bypass as Shinde was being transported from Taloja jail to Badlapur for further investigation. According to the police, Shinde shot and injured an assistant police inspector, prompting the officers to retaliate, leading to his death. Shinde was declared dead at Kalwa Civil Hospital.
Shinde’s family has cast doubt on this narrative, with his mother alleging that her son was being beaten in custody and had sent a note requesting money. “My son was afraid of bursting crackers and crossing the road. How can he shoot at policemen?” she questioned, accusing the police of conspiring with the management of the Badlapur school where Shinde worked as a sweeper and allegedly committed the assaults.
The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, defended the police, stating that the use of force was necessary. “Akshay Shinde’s ex-wife accused him of sexual violence, and while being taken for investigation, he snatched a gun and fired at the police,” said CM Shinde. “The police acted in self-defense.”
The opposition, however, has demanded a judicial probe into the incident. Congress leader Nana Patole called for an inquiry led by a sitting High Court judge, questioning the government’s handling of the case and its ability to deliver justice. “Was it suicide, or was he killed? We do not trust this government,” said Patole.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, while acknowledging that Shinde deserved punishment, called the encounter suspicious. “This is reckless and suspicious. Why has the school management not been apprehended? Is there a connection between them and this incident?” Thackeray asked in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The Thane police commissioner, Ashutosh Dumbre, has formed an eight-member committee, led by Additional Police Commissioner Punjabrao Ugle, to investigate the incident. Despite this, opposition leaders such as NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress’ Prithviraj Chavan have expressed doubts about the fairness of the inquiry, questioning the integrity of the police under the current regime.
Political tensions escalated as opposition leaders accused the government of trying to suppress evidence in the case. “This incident is shocking and inexcusable. The people of Maharashtra are being deprived of justice,” said NCP MP Supriya Sule, condemning the government’s approach to the case.
As the investigation unfolds, Maharashtra remains divided, with the government defending the police action as necessary and the opposition pushing for a thorough judicial probe to uncover the truth.
