Anil Deshmukh Questions Police Actions in Akshay Shinde Encounter

Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP-SP leader Anil Deshmukh has raised concerns about the police encounter of Akshay Shinde, who was accused in the Badlapur rape case. Deshmukh claimed that it is difficult for a common person to operate a policeman’s gun without technical knowledge and training, making the encounter suspicious.

Akshay Shinde was being transported from Taloja Central Jail to the Thane Crime Branch office when he allegedly snatched a revolver and opened fire on the police. He was killed in retaliatory fire near the Mumbra bypass.

Deshmukh also criticized the police for delaying the filing of an FIR for three days and noted that CCTV footage from the school where the incident occurred was missing. He questioned whether Akshay Shinde or the school owner, a BJP member, was the main accused.

Deshmukh called for a proper inquiry to identify the true accused and urged the passing of a law for the death penalty for rape accused, which was introduced during his tenure but is still pending in court.

The death of Akshay Shinde has led to a heated debate between the ruling Mahayuti government and the opposition in Maharashtra, with Assembly polls approaching later this year.