Badlapur Sexual Assault Accused Shot Dead by Cop Linked to Encounter Specialist Pradeep Sharma
In a shocking turn of events, 24-year-old Akshay Shinde, who was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of Thane district, was shot dead by police inspector Sanjay Shinde. The incident has sparked controversy due to Sanjay Shinde’s past association with suspended former ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma.
Akshay Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after the alleged sexual abuse of the two girls in the school toilet. He was being transported from Taloja jail to Badlapur for investigation when the fatal encounter took place near Mumbra Bypass in Thane.
Sanjay Shinde, the police inspector who shot Akshay Shinde, reportedly worked with Pradeep Sharma in the past. Sharma, a former Mumbai Police officer, gained notoriety as an ‘encounter specialist’ for neutralizing over 100 criminals linked to the Mumbai underworld. However, Sharma was later convicted for his role in a fake encounter in 2006.
Background of Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma
Sanjay Shinde, who is currently part of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Badlapur rape case, has faced scrutiny in the past. He was suspended and investigated after murder accused Vijay Palande escaped police custody, raising questions about Shinde’s involvement. Despite these controversies, Shinde was reinstated by the Mumbai Police in 2014.
Pradeep Sharma, on the other hand, made a name for himself in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters against underworld figures like Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. However, his career took a dark turn when he was convicted for orchestrating a fake encounter. Despite his fall from grace, Sharma’s legacy as an ‘encounter specialist’ continues to cast a shadow over the Mumbai Police.
Investigation and Controversy Surrounding Akshay Shinde’s Death
The circumstances surrounding Akshay Shinde’s death have raised concerns about police conduct and accountability. The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) has launched a probe into the incident to determine the sequence of events leading to Shinde’s death.
Forensic experts have examined the police vehicle in which the shooting took place, and statements from police personnel present during the incident will be crucial in piecing together the timeline of events. Akshay Shinde’s family has contested the police’s version of events, alleging that their son was not armed and did not pose a threat to the officers.
As the investigation unfolds, questions about police procedures, use of force, and the role of officers like Sanjay Shinde in high-profile cases will come under scrutiny. The outcome of the CID probe will be crucial in determining accountability and justice for Akshay Shinde and his family.
In conclusion, the tragic death of Akshay Shinde at the hands of law enforcement highlights the complexities and challenges facing the criminal justice system in India. The intersection of police misconduct, political influence, and public perception will shape the outcome of this case and its implications for future police operations. As the investigation continues, it is essential to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice to ensure that tragedies like this are not repeated.
