Maharashtra Government Forms Judicial Commission To Probe Akshay Shinde Encounter

In the wake of the controversial encounter involving Akshay Shinde, the main accused in the sexual abuse of two four-year-old girls at a reputable school in Badlapur, the Maharashtra government has established a single-member judicial commission. Retired Justice Dilip Bhosale will head the inquiry, which will operate under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952, and is required to submit its report within three months.

The government issued a gazette notification on Tuesday outlining the commission’s mandate. It will investigate the sequence of events surrounding the police encounter on September 23 at Mumbra Bypass in Thane, which resulted in Shinde’s death. The inquiry will explore the causes and consequences of the incident and examine whether any individuals, groups, or organizations bear direct or indirect responsibility.

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The commission will assess the appropriateness of the police’s actions during the encounter and conduct a comprehensive examination of all related events. Additionally, it will investigate other aspects of the incident as provided by the state government and recommend both short-term and long-term measures for the police to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

This move by the state government follows mounting criticism from opposition parties and retired police officers, including former cop J.F. Ribeiro, who have questioned the timing and legitimacy of the encounter.

The gazette notification emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns: “The state government, considering the nature of the incident and its significance to the public, believes it is necessary to inquire into the exact sequence of events, the causes, and the individuals or organizations responsible, as well as the role of the police during the incident.”

As the investigation unfolds, the focus will remain on accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices in Maharashtra.