Parents of Badlapur encounter victim withdraw case, HC to continue proceedings

Family No Longer Seeks Action in Alleged Fake Encounter; Court to Review Inquiry Report

The parents of Akshay Shinde, the Badlapur sexual assault accused who was killed in an alleged police encounter, informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that they no longer wish to pursue the case regarding his death. Their decision was conveyed to the division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale, which is hearing their petition alleging a fake encounter.

Shinde’s father, Anna Shinde, had filed a petition claiming his son was killed in a staged encounter. However, during Thursday’s proceedings, the couple voluntarily expressed their desire to withdraw from the case, stating that they were under no external pressure to do so.

Background of the Case

Akshay Shinde (24), a school attendant in Badlapur, was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls inside a school toilet last year. While being transported from Navi Mumbai’s Taloja prison to Thane for questioning, he was shot dead in an alleged police encounter.

A recent magisterial inquiry report submitted to the court held five police personnel responsible for Shinde’s death. Those named in the report include:

Senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde (Thane Crime Branch)

Assistant Inspector Nilesh More

Head Constables Abhijeet More and Harish Tawade

Police Van Driver Satish Khatal

The report, prepared by Magistrate Ashok Shengde, stated that the police’s claim of acting in self-defense was questionable based on the evidence and circumstances. The findings have cast doubt over the legitimacy of the encounter.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Despite the parents’ withdrawal, the case remains under judicial scrutiny. Advocate Amit Desai, representing Maharashtra, requested the court’s direction to access certain materials considered in the magistrate’s inquiry. He noted that witness statements were recorded separately, and the police require access to fully analyze the findings.

The Bombay High Court is scheduled to hear further arguments on the matter on Friday, keeping the focus on accountability and due process in the case.