Thane Police Probe into Fatal Retaliatory Firing Incident Involving School Sexual Abuse Accused

Thane Police are investigating the death of Akshay Shinde, accused of sexual abuse at a Badlapur school, who died in police retaliatory firing during an escape attempt. Shinde's death has sparked political controversy amidst ongoing Assembly polls in Maharashtra.

Thane Police announced on Tuesday that an investigation is ongoing into the incident from Monday, where the accused in the Badlapur school sexual abuse case, Akshay Shinde, died in a retaliatory firing by police. According to a statement from Thane police PRO Shailesh Salvi during a press conference, Shinde was being transported from Taloja Central Jail when he reportedly seized a police revolver and opened fire. Investigations are still in progress.

The Thane police have filed a death case for the accused, and the investigation into the firing is underway, said Salvi. The 23-year-old Shinde was shot dead at the Mumbra bypass on September 23 while being taken from Taloja jail to Badlapur for further investigation. The case was initially filed by his ex-wife.

Salvi explained that a sexual assault case involving a minor was registered, leading to Shinde's arrest. Another case was filed against him by his wife. A special team, formed for the investigation, secured a transfer warrant to move Shinde from Taloja Central Jail when he grabbed a police weapon and fired. An FIR was registered at Mumbra police station against Shinde for attempted murder.

According to Thane Police, Shinde tried to escape police custody by seizing and firing a weapon from an officer. Post-incident, he was transported to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Controversy has arisen between the ruling Mahayuti government and the opposition as Maharashtra approaches Assembly elections. Shinde had been arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly abused two girls in a school toilet.

On September 20, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed charge sheets in a special POCSO court in Badlapur. The team submitted two charge sheets separately due to different dates of the incidents but involving the same accused. The charge sheets, each nearly 500 pages, contain sufficient evidence, including multiple witness statements and technical and medical proof, supporting the case against Shinde, officials reported.

(With inputs from agencies.)