'Absence of FIR troubling': Bombay HC orders SIT in ‘shootout’ death of Badlapur sex assault accused

TNN / Updated: Apr 08, 2025, 12:00 IST

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The Bombay High Court has mandated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the death of Akshay Shinde, who was accused in the Badlapur school sexual assault case. Justices Dere and Gokhale emphasized the need to maintain public trust in the justice system.

'Absence of FIR troubling': Bombay HC orders SIT in ‘shootout’ death of Badlapur sex assault accused

Bombay High Court

MUMBAI: Bombay HC on Monday ordered the setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Sept 23 'encounter' death of Akshay Shinde, the accused in Badlapur school sexual assault case, reports Rosy Sequeira."This course of action is warranted in the interest of justice and to uphold public confidence in the justice delivery system... we would fail in our duty if we allow the entire issue to be swept under the carpet," said Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale."The state's reluctance to even register an FIR has left the petitioner and his wife feeling helpless, forcing them to forgo closure over their son's untimely death. Such negligence weakens public trust in institutions and compromises the state's legitimacy. As a constitutional court, we cannot permit this and be mute spectators," the judges said.

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Bombay HC orders SIT probe into Akshay Shinde's encounter in Badlapur sexual assault case.
Court says action needed to uphold public trust in justice system.
Judges slam state for not registering FIR in the encounter death.
Shinde's parents left helpless, denied closure over son's killing.
HC says courts cannot be mute spectators to state's inaction and delay.

End of Article