In a shocking twist in the Badlapur sexual assault case, prime accused Akshay Shinde died in an exchange of gunfire with the police after he reportedly snatched the revolver from a police officer while being taken from the jail to another police station. According to the Thane Police Commissioner, Shinde fired three bullets, out of which one hit a cop. In response, the police opened fire in which Shinde was critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Shinde was sent to judicial custody a month ago in connection with the case. The incident, which took place in a Maharashtra school, sparked widespread protests across the state.
The two young girls, both aged four, were sexually assaulted inside the school's washroom. The accused, who worked as an attendant at the school, was arrested shortly afterwards.
A preliminary report revealed that the kindergarteners were repeatedly abused over 15 days, resulting in severe injuries.
The report also showed several lapses by the school authorities, including delays in reporting the incident and failing to conduct background checks before hiring the accused. The school's administration did not meet with the parents even after the complaint was filed, and the hospital took 12 hours to provide medical care to the children.
The accused, identified as a habitual offender in some reports, was hired as a contractual worker without proper verification and had unrestricted access to various parts of the school, including the female toilets.