Family of Controversial Badlapur Case Accused Akshay Shinde Demands Security for Last Rites

Akshay Shinde's family demands security for his burial after he was killed in an alleged police shootout. They also seek protection for his parents and lawyer, as threats persist. His family contests the police's account of his death and is struggling to find a burial site.

Family members of Akshay Shinde, accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case and killed in an alleged police shootout this week, are demanding security for his last rites. His uncle, Amar Shinde, told mediapersons that a burial site was still undetermined.

"We are searching for a place. Police have offered to show some locations. We will bury him at a secure site," he informed reporters. He also requested police protection for the last rites and safety for Akshay's parents and lawyer due to life threats.

"An email request has been sent to Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis," he added.

Shinde reportedly wished for burial over cremation, according to his lawyer Amit Katarnavre. The Bombay High Court was informed by his father on Wednesday about the difficulty in finding a burial site. The public prosecutor assured that arrangements would be made by the local authorities.

A petition has been filed challenging the police's narrative of the shootout that led to Shinde's death while being transported for investigation. The petition claims it was a fake encounter and demands a probe. Shinde was previously arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls in Badlapur.

Advocate Katarnavre has applied for the charge sheet, questioning how the government declared Shinde the culprit without it. He claimed that Shinde was killed to avoid a trial and cross-examination, and that the police were ignoring more significant suspects at the school. The family, having faced past attacks, needs protection, the lawyer emphasized.

(With inputs from agencies.)