Inspector Sanjay Shinde stated that he acted in self-defense, believing that Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case, posed a lethal threat to everyone present.

According to Inspector Shinde, Akshay had threatened that he would not hesitate to harm anyone after seizing a firearm from within the police van.

The Mumbra police in Thane have filed a First Information Report against Akshay Shinde for attempted murder following his gunfire directed at the police officer.

This FIR stems from a complaint lodged by Sanjay Shinde, who is leading the Special Investigation Team looking into the sexual assault of two kindergarten girls at a Badlapur school, where Akshay Shinde, aged 24, is the primary suspect.

In a related matter, Inspector Sanjay Shinde noted that he was also investigating another case initiated by Akshay Shinde’s first wife, who accused him of sexual harassment and unnatural acts.

On Monday evening, a police team transported Akshay Shinde from Taloja jail to further investigate the allegations made by his wife.

During the transport, Inspector Shinde occupied the driver’s cabin, while two constables and Assistant Police Inspector Nilesh More were seated in the rear with Akshay Shinde.

Upon nearing the Shil-Daighar police station, API More informed Inspector Shinde that Akshay was questioning the reasons for his transfer and the nature of any new charges against him.

Following this, Akshay began to verbally assault the officers, prompting Inspector Shinde to halt the van and join the others in the back section.

Akshay Shinde was accompanied by API More and Constable Abhijit More, while Sanjay Shinde and Constable Harish Tawde were positioned across from them.

At approximately 6:15 PM, as the van arrived at the base of the Mumbra Devi temple on the Mumbra bypass, Akshay Shinde reportedly attempted to grab API More’s firearm, according to the complaint.

During the struggle that ensued, the weapon discharged accidentally, striking API More, who subsequently fell to the ground, as stated in the complaint.

Akshay then took control of the firearm and allegedly threatened Inspector Shinde and the constable, declaring, “now I will not leave anyone alive,” according to the complaint.

He fired two shots, but both Inspector Shinde and Constable Tawde managed to evade the bullets, as claimed by Inspector Shinde.

Sanjay Shinde noted that Akshay’s demeanor indicated a clear intent to harm everyone in the van, prompting him to fire a single shot in self-defense, which struck Akshay.

Following this, Akshay Shinde collapsed, and the constables restrained him while the van proceeded to Kalwa civil hospital, where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel, as per the complaint.

In response, Akshay Shinde’s family has approached the Bombay High Court, contesting the police’s account and alleging that his death resulted from a fabricated encounter.

His father has requested an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

On Tuesday, both the Opposition and Akshay Shinde’s relatives raised concerns regarding the police’s narrative surrounding his death, accusing the government of attempting to protect the management of the school involved.

His mother and uncle claimed on Monday night that there was a conspiracy involving the police and the administration of the Badlapur school where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

They argued that it would have been impossible for Akshay to have taken a policeman’s weapon, as suggested by the officials.