Controversial Death Sparks Debate: Fake Encounter or Self-defence?

Opposition leaders and Akshay Shinde's family dispute the police's account of his death, alleging a cover-up involving the management of a school linked to the BJP. Shinde, accused of sexual assault and killed in what police claim was self-defence, died under mysterious circumstances, prompting calls for a Special Investigation Team probe.

Opposition leaders and the family of Akshay Shinde, accused in the controversial Badlapur sexual assault case, on Tuesday questioned the official police account of his death. They suggested that the government may be trying to protect the school management involved.

Anna Shinde, Akshay's father, has petitioned the Bombay High Court for a probe by a Special Investigation Team into what he calls a 'fake encounter' that led to his son's death. Family members have accused the police and school management of conspiring to kill Akshay, arguing that the scenario in which he supposedly snatched an officer's weapon is implausible.

Akshay Shinde, 24, died in police 'retaliatory firing' after allegedly injuring an officer during transport from Taloja Jail to Badlapur. Accused of assaulting two kindergarten girls, Akshay's death has led to political uproar, with Opposition leaders alleging a cover-up to protect those in power, linked to the school's management.

(With inputs from agencies.)