Badlapur residents distribute sweets to support police action against sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde

The main accused in the sexual assault case of two nursery students at a Badlapur school, Akshay Shinde, died following a police shooting on Monday evening. Police reported that the 24-year-old sweeper allegedly snatched a revolver from a police officer and opened fire, prompting officers to return fire in self-defense. The accused was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 PM when the accused, during transit in a police van, seized a gun from Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More. According to police accounts, the accused fired three shots, leading to Senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde returning fire, which hit the accused in the temple. More is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

Badlapur Accused Family’s Allegations

The accused's family has strongly denied the police's claims, alleging that he was murdered. His mother stated, "My son cannot kill a mosquito; how will he fire at the police?" She expressed disbelief at the police narrative and called for an investigation into the events leading to her son’s death.

Public and Political Reactions

Local residents in Badlapur showed support for the police action by distributing sweets. The sexual assault incident had occurred in a school toilet on August 12, leading to the suspect's arrest five days later. This arrest sparked massive protests, with citizens demanding public execution and blocking train services for over 10 hours.


Despite assurances from the government to fast-track the trial, public anger persisted. Eventually, police used lathi charge to disperse the crowd, who also vandalized the school. Opposition leaders have called for a high-level probe into the police shooting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar criticized the handling of the situation, stating, "It was gross negligence and dereliction of duty by the home department while shifting the accused."

Similarly, Congress's Nana Patole expressed concerns, saying, "We have reasons to believe the law-enforcement agencies wanted to wind up the case." Meanwhile, local politicians have defended the police action, mentioning the initial public demand for the accused's execution.

As further investigations continue, the situation remains tense with calls for accountability and transparency.