The custodial death of Akshay Shinde, accused in a Badlapur school sexual assault case, has ignited a fierce political confrontation in Maharashtra, intensifying ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Shinde was killed in retaliatory police firing after allegedly snatching a pistol from an Assistant Police Inspector while being transported from Taloja jail.
Opposition leaders, including former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and Congress MP Prithviraj Chavan, have raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding Shinde’s death, questioning how a “handcuffed” individual could fire a weapon. They have called for an independent investigation led by a retired High Court judge, labeling the incident a failure of the law enforcement and justice system in Maharashtra.
In contrast, the ruling Mahayuti coalition has accused the Opposition of hypocrisy, noting that these same leaders previously demanded the death penalty for Shinde. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde defended the police actions, asserting that the encounter was justified and criticizing the Opposition for politicizing the tragedy.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with protests erupting in Badlapur following the assault allegations. The parents of the deceased accused have also alleged a “conspiracy,” claiming their son would not have posed a threat.
As political tensions rise, the future of law enforcement accountability in Maharashtra hangs in the balance, with calls for transparency and justice growing louder from both sides. Further developments are expected as investigations proceed.
