Pune: Shiv Sena (UBT) to move court over Akshay Shinde encounter

Pune: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded a high-level inquiry into the encounter of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the sexual abuse of two minor girls from a primary school in Badlapur. The party has also demanded suspension of the policemen involved in it.

This was revealed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Shushma Andhare in a press meet on Tuesday.

Andhare said, “The two minor girl victims should get justice. But why has the government let off the school administration? I am speaking as a mother and not as an opposition party leader. I am a teacher and a student of law. Why are you saving the school where there were no CCTVs? Is it appropriate to shield the school? The policemen involved in the encounter should be suspended. When Akshay Shinde fires a shot, it hits the thigh of a cop but when the police fire it, it directly hits the head of the accused. This cannot be comprehended. The case should be probed by a high-level committee headed by a judge. The investigation should be protected from the influence of the State Government.

“Sanjay Shinde, the police officer involved in the encounter, was posted within the Thane Police jurisdiction for a long time. We do not trust the power centre being run from Thane. Our demands are clear. Details of the case should be conveyed to the Human Rights Commission within 24 hours of the incident. It should be known if this has been done. Why has Apte not been arrested? What are you going to do with the school administration? We will raise these questions in the court.

“The police department should be held in awe by the people. They should not lose trust in the police. You arrest an accused in the rape case. Then you encounter him. The people will applaud this because they hate such culprits. However, when such an accused is killed in an encounter, he is not alone. There could be a racket behind him. This racket needs to be busted. Will it be?”

Ujjwal Nikam targeted

Sushma Andhare said, “BJP spokesman Ujjwal Nikam was impatient to comment on the issue. He hurriedly reacted saying ‘sometimes, an accused assumes that his death is certain. He is under mental pressure and shoots himself’. This is how Akshay Shinde killed himself. The BJP is so prompt. A person who argues cases in the High Court, in the Supreme Court. One who calls himself a lawyer. When he joins the BJP, he mortgages his conscience and tries to prove an encounter as a suicide.”

Role of the police, the court

Andhare said, “MP Naresh Mhaske calls the encounter a natural justice. It is a very serious statement. In this way, encounters will happen often in the future. It is not a natural justice to kill an accused and to close the case. The legal process of hearing, arguments, evidence and justice should be followed to decide a case. If you are bypassing the legal process, then why do you need the police administration? Why have the courts been established? Then appoint only some ‘encounter specialists’ and there is no need to follow anything else.”

Has it been done to launch a film?

She said, “Akshay Shinde is not a social reformer. He should have been hanged. But while doing so, people should hold the court in awe and respect, which cannot be gained in this manner. Therefore, this is a serious matter. Who are they trying to save? Immediately after the encounter, a poster went viral on social media: ‘Justice should be done in this way’. ‘Dharmaveer 2’ (sequel of Marathi film on CM Shinde’s life) was written under it. Was the encounter done to launch the film?”