Overview

• The Bombay High Court criticized the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for failing to register an FIR against five police officers in the alleged fake encounter of Akshay Shinde, calling the delay a 'very sorry state of affairs.'
• Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar assured the court that the FIR would be filed by May 3, 2025, following the court's threat of contempt proceedings.
• The SIT, formed under the court’s April 7 directive, received case documents from the CID on April 25 but has yet to act on the magistrate’s inquiry report that indicted the policemen.
• Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two minors, was killed on September 23, 2024, in a police van under contested circumstances; police claimed self-defense, while his family alleged a staged encounter.
• The High Court emphasized the need to uphold public trust in the justice system, urging the SIT to show 'dedication' and bring the case to its logical conclusion.