Mumbai: Mumbai, Jan 20 (PTI) A magistrate's inquiry has held five Maharashtra policemen responsible for the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, the lone accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case, and raised doubts on their claims of opening fire at him in self-defence in September last year.
Magistrate Ashok Shengde, in his report tendered in a sealed cover to the Bombay High Court on Monday, noted allegations levelled by Akshay Shinde's parents -- that their son was killed in a fake encounter -- has found substance if all evidences, including forensic reports, are considered.
The magistrate said the "contention raised by the police personnel of right to private or self-defence comes under a shadow of suspicion" due to evidence and other circumstances.
The report, which comes four months after the alleged police shootout, was submitted to the HC, which was hearing a plea filed by Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, claiming his son was killed by police in a fake encounter in adjoining Thane district while being taken in a van for questioning.
The bench of Justice Revati Mohite Dere of Bombay High Court directed criminal proceedings against the cops. It has further ordered to file a case against the officers and initiate necessary action.
The report has mentioned that Akshay's fingerprints have not been found on the gun and it has also termed the death as 'suspicious'. The public prosecutor told the court that appropriate action will be taken in this case.
Advocates Ajinkya Gaikwad and Kavisha Khanna filed the original complaint in this case and a demand has been made before the court to conduct a criminal case against the investigating officer, Inspector Shubda Shitole.
After hearing the lawyers, the court directed the government prosecutors to take a note of this demand. This will be argued at the next hearing that has been scheduled after two weeks.
Akshay was arrested for allegedly assaulting two minor girls in a school in Badlapur in August, 2024. The sexual assault case had triggered a huge protest with citizens blocking suburban trains for the entire day, demanding action against the accused. A few days later, Shinde was arrested and died on September 24 in an alleged encountered with police near Mumbra bypass while he was being taken to Thane in another case. (With Agency Inputs)
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