In a significant development today, the Supreme Court of India has modified a Bombay High Court order concerning the Badlapur ‘fake’ encounter case. The apex court has directed that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the custodial death of Akshay Shinde be constituted under the supervision of Maharashtra’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Shukla, rather than Joint Commissioner Lakhmi Gautam as previously ordered by the High Court.

The case involves the death of Akshay Shinde, who was accused in the sexual assault of two minor girls in Badlapur. He was shot dead by Thane Police on September 23, 2024, during transportation from Taloja jail. The police claimed he attempted to escape by snatching a constable’s gun, leading to retaliatory firing. However, a Magistrate’s inquiry found substance in allegations made by Shinde’s parents that he was killed in a ‘fake encounter’.

The Supreme Court’s decision aims to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations against the five policemen involved in the encounter. The DGP is now tasked with constituting the SIT and selecting appropriate officers for the probe. Additionally, the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been directed to hand over all relevant documents to the SIT within two days.

This move underscores the Supreme Court’s commitment to upholding justice and transparency in cases involving custodial deaths and police accountability.

Sources