New Delhi: Thane Police on Tuesday set up a special investigation committee to probe the death of Akshay Shinde, a man accused in a school sexual assault case. The committee, comprising two Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), and two Police Inspectors (PIs), will examine the events leading to the fatal incident.
Shooting during prison transfer
The shooting occurred on Monday evening as Shinde was being transferred from Taloja Jail to Badlapur in connection with a fresh FIR lodged by his ex-wife. Thane City Police's Central Crime Unit had secured a transfer warrant for Shinde, who faced charges under sections 377, 324, 323, and 504 of the Indian Penal Code.
As the police vehicle travelled along the Mumbra Bypass around 6:15 PM, Shinde allegedly grabbed the service revolver of Assistant Police Inspector (API) Nilesh More, firing three rounds. One bullet struck API More in the leg, while the other two missed.
Self-defense response by police
In a bid to protect the police team, another officer fired a single shot at Shinde, critically injuring him. Both API More and Shinde were rushed to Kalwa Civic Hospital, where More received further treatment at Jupiter Hospital. Shinde, however, was declared dead. His body has been sent to JJ Hospital in Mumbai for a post-mortem examination.
Following the incident, a 15-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under the leadership of ACP Shekar Bagde and Senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde. The SIT will investigate the FIR filed by Shinde’s former wife as well as previous allegations of sexual assault on two minor girls. These cases are registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
