Controversial Police Shooting: Akshay Shinde's Death Sparks Political Debate

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis report Akshay Shinde, accused of a school sexual assault, was killed in a police self-defense action. His death sparks controversy, with opposition leaders questioning police conduct and calling for an independent inquiry. The incident has ignited political furor.

On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy, Devendra Fadnavis, announced that police had shot dead Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case, in an act of self-defense.

Akshay Shinde, who was accused of sexually abusing two minor girls at the school where he worked as an attendant, allegedly snatched a policeman's gun and fired at an assistant inspector while being transported from Taloja jail to Badlapur for investigation. Police claim he was subsequently killed in retaliatory firing by a member of the escort team.

Opposition leaders, however, have vehemently criticized the incident, questioning the police's narrative and suggesting it might have been an attempt to destroy evidence. They have demanded a judicial probe to uncover the truth behind the controversial shooting.

(With inputs from agencies.)