Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court Summons Two Officers; Expressed Discontent Over Non-FIR Against Policemen Involved In Accused’s Death | File Photo
Mumbai: In the latest update of the case related to the custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault accused, the Bombay Court has summoned two officials, Jt CP Lakhmi Gautam & an officer of State CID to appear before the court on April 25 at 2:30 PM in the investigation of custodial death of Badlapur sexual assault suspect Akshay Shinde. The court has also expressed displeasure over no FIR registered against the policemen who are suspected to be involved in the death of the accused.
Earlier, the Bombay High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the registration of an FIR within two days against five policemen implicated in the death of Badlapur sexual assault suspect Akshay Shinde. Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale directed that the SIT be established under Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, who will enlist officers from various police stations. The accused officers include Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Shinde, Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More, Head Constables Abhijeet More and Harish Tawade, and Police Constable Satish Khatal, who were escorting Shinde from Taloja prison when he died from gunshot wounds.
Although Shinde’s parents sought to withdraw their petition against the police, the court appointed senior advocate Manjula Rao as amicus curiae, emphasizing its responsibility to pursue justice and public trust. The court stated that the reluctance of the state to register an FIR could not be overlooked, asserting that anyone, including the police, could initiate legal action if petitioners did not come forth. The bench expressed trust in the SIT to thoroughly and impartially investigate the matter. The state’s counsel, senior advocate Amit Desai, requested a stay on the order for appeal to the Supreme Court, which the bench denied. The SIT was directed to act promptly with the necessary documents provided by the CID.
The accused, arrested by Badlapur police for allegedly sexually assaulting minor girls at a local school, died from firearm injuries sustained while in police custody. Initially held in Taloja Prison, he was moved to police custody on September 23 due to a second FIR by his wife. During transit, he reportedly snatched a policeman’s service pistol, leading to a struggle that resulted in both the accused and the officer getting injured. However, Judicial Magistrate Ashok Shendge’s January 18 report held five policemen responsible for the accused’s custodial death, questioning the circumstances of the encounter and stating that the use of force was unjustified.
The court, addressing public outrage following the sexual assault case, initiated a suo motu petition after the arrest of a male school attendant involved in the assaults. Protests erupted in Badlapur over perceived inaction from police and school authorities, prompting the state government to form a committee on August 23 to address these concerns. The High Court later expanded this committee to include retired judges and experts.
On Wednesday, Additional Public Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde informed the court that the committee’s recommendations needed further departmental routing. The court, dissatisfied, called for an immediate consolidated government resolution and scheduled a follow-up hearing for April 28, focusing on enhancing child safety measures and the implementation of existing laws like the POCSO Act.
