Eknath Shinde on the Badlapur sexual assault case: Accused shot dead by police: “Self-defense” | Latest news from India

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday defended the police's action of shooting dead the Badlapur sexual assault accused after he fired at her. “He (Akshay Shinde) was detained for investigation as his ex-wife had filed a case of sexual assault. He shot at a constable, Nilesh More, who was injured and admitted to hospital. Police acted in self-defence. More information will come to light after investigation,” ANI quoted the chief minister as saying. Akshay Shinde, 23, was shot dead by police after he fired at them while he was being brought to Thane by the Thane Crime Branch for investigation near Mumbra Bypass. Opposition parties like Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress suspect foul play.

“Opposition questions everything”: Fadnavis

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also defended the Thane police and said, “His (Akshay Shinde) ex-wife filed a complaint of sexual assault, the police arrested him with a warrant. He grabbed the police gun and fired at policemen and also in the air. The police shot him in self-defence.” “He was taken to hospital. Doctors will determine later but the preliminary information we have is that he died. The opposition is questioning everything, the same opposition is demanding to hang him. If he had attacked the police, wouldn't the police have acted in self-defence? It is wrong to make an issue out of it,” he added. Last month, massive protests erupted after two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by Akshay Shinde in the school's toilet in Thane's Badlapur town. The school had contracted Shinde to clean the school's toilets on August 1. The two minors were allegedly abused in the school toilet on August 12. The accused was arrested on August 17. On September 3, the Bombay High Court asked the police to build a “watertight” case and not to hastily file a chargesheet under public pressure.