Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has addressed the controversial police shooting in the Badlapur sexual assault case, emphasizing that it was a matter of self-defense. He firmly stated that police officers “will not clap” if attacked, highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law. His comments come in response to allegations by opposition leader Sanjay Raut, who accused the state government of orchestrating the encounter for political gains. The incident has sparked a heated debate, especially as the state gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified the police’s role in the recent shooting of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case. Fadnavis made it clear that the police acted in self-defense during the encounter, rejecting any claims that the incident was premeditated. “Our police will not clap if attacked,” Fadnavis stated, reinforcing that the officers had no choice but to shoot after the accused allegedly fired at them.
Speaking at the India Today Mumbai Conclave, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed his stance on the broader issue of police encounters. “We do not believe in encounters,” Fadnavis explained, adding, “I personally believe that the rule of law must be followed. The criminal must be punished quickly, and within the boundaries of the law. However, our police will act in self-defense if they are attacked.” Fadnavis stressed the need for proper legal procedures to be followed but also defended the police’s immediate response to the danger posed by Shinde.
Opposition Leader Accuses CM of Politicizing the Encounter
Sanjay Raut, a senior leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), has sharply criticized the state government for what he believes was a politically motivated encounter. Raut alleged that both Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Fadnavis were involved in orchestrating the encounter to protect affiliates linked to the accused. He accused the government of exploiting the police action to score political points, suggesting that the Chief Minister and Deputy CM are engaged in a “race” to take credit for the incident.
“Rapists should be punished severely, and justice should be swift,” Raut remarked. “But if you are using encounters for political gain, then it is wrong.” He went on to criticize the ruling party for turning the encounter into a “Singham-style competition,” pointing to the visible competition between the CM and Fadnavis to claim credit for the event.
High Court Raises Doubts About the Encounter
Amidst the political uproar, the Bombay High Court has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Akshay Shinde’s death. Justice Chavan noted, “It is difficult to believe this. Prima facie, there seem to be issues.” The judge expressed skepticism that Shinde, described as physically weak, could have fired a pistol or unlocked a revolver with ease.
Shinde’s father, Anna Shinde, has filed a petition seeking an investigation into the incident, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter. He is calling for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly examine the case. Responding to the petition, the court has ordered all documents to be transferred to the state’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) for review. The court also questioned the delay in transferring the investigation and scheduled the next hearing for October 3.
Background of the Case
Akshay Shinde, a 23-year-old, was arrested on August 17, accused of sexually assaulting two girls in a school bathroom. According to the police, Shinde was shot after allegedly firing at officers while being transferred from jail. This incident has sparked controversy and added fuel to the ongoing political rivalry between Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti government and the opposition, especially with Assembly elections fast approaching.
As the case unfolds, both the legal and political dimensions continue to evolve, with the court’s investigation likely to play a significant role in determining whether the encounter was justified or politically motivated. For now, the issue remains a point of contention, with both sides continuing to assert their positions.
