Magistrate Finds Custodial Death of Badlapur Assault Accused Was a Fake Encounter

Five police officers have been held responsible for Akshay Shinde's death, with the Bombay High Court ordering an FIR and investigation into the incident.

Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two minors, was killed in September 2024 during what police claimed was a shootout while being transported for questioning.
A magistrate's inquiry found no forensic evidence supporting the police's claim that Shinde snatched a firearm and fired at officers, raising doubts about their account.
The Bombay High Court has directed the state government to register an FIR against the five implicated officers and determine which agency will investigate the case.
The court emphasized the need for safeguards, including the use of dash cameras in police vehicles, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Opposition leaders have criticized the government, alleging political motives and demanding accountability for the custodial death.