The Maharashtra DGP has decided to form a new SIT to investigate the custodial death of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case. This move comes following the orders of the Supreme Court, as reported by PTI. Heading the SIT will be Datta Shinde, Additional Commissioner of Police attached to Mira-Bhayandar-Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police, a deputy inspector general-rank official.
The team will also include a deputy commissioner of police from Pimpri Chinchwad, an assistant commissioner of police, two senior inspectors, two assistant police inspectors, one sub-inspector, and an assistant sub-inspector, all from the MBVV commissionerate. The SIT has taken possession of all the relevant documents related to the Badlapur accused encounter case and has begun a fresh investigation.
Datta Shinde, the Additional Commissioner of Police, brings valuable experience to the team, having worked in Thane and Navi Mumbai and served as superintendent of police at Palghar. The SIT was formed after Akshay Shinde, who was accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten girls, was killed in police firing when he allegedly tried to grab a policeman’s weapon and open fire while being transported to the Badlapur police station.
Following the incident, Shinde’s family raised concerns about the encounter, leading to the Bombay High Court ordering an SIT, initially headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, to investigate the case. Subsequently, the Maharashtra government approached the Supreme Court, which directed the state DGP to set up a new SIT. The Supreme Court clarified that there was no need for a new FIR as a case was already registered at Mumbra Police Station.
The formation of this new SIT aims to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Akshay Shinde’s death and provide answers to the questions raised by his family and the public. The team is expected to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and follow all necessary protocols to uncover the truth behind the incident.
So, this new SIT is a positive step towards seeking justice and transparency in this case. Let’s hope that the investigation sheds light on the events leading to Akshay Shinde’s death and brings closure to all those involved.
