Mumbai: A fresh Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted by Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla to probe the controversial Badlapur encounter case, in which five policemen allegedly shot dead an accused, Akshay Shinde, in custody on September 23 last year. The move comes following directions from the Supreme Court, which also ruled that a second FIR would not be required for the investigation to proceed.
The newly appointed SIT will be headed by DIG-rank officer Dattatray Shinde, who is currently serving as Additional Commissioner of the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police. He will be supported by a team of officers drawn from MBVV and the Navi Mumbai Police Commissionerate. Among them is MBVV ACP Umesh Mane, along with four other officers who will jointly assist in the investigation, reported the Indian Express.
Shinde's Tenure In Thane Could Assist In Probe
Officials noted that Shinde’s previous tenure as Additional Commissioner (East Region) in Thane makes him particularly well-suited for the task, given his familiarity with the region’s policing landscape. He has also served as Superintendent of Police in Palghar and brings with him extensive experience in handling sensitive cases.
The Badlapur encounter has been mired in controversy since the day it occurred. Initially, Mumbra police registered an FIR based on the account provided by the policemen involved, claiming that the deceased, Akshay Shinde, had attempted to shoot at them, forcing them to act in self-defence. The FIR was lodged under an attempt to murder against Shinde himself.
Cops' Theory Challenged In Bombay HC
However, the narrative was challenged by Shinde’s family, who moved the Bombay High Court seeking a fresh FIR and a court-monitored SIT investigation. A magisterial inquiry report later submitted to the court cast doubt on the self-defence theory and raised questions about the authenticity of the police version.
Unhappy with the progress of the state CID’s investigation, which did not register an FIR against the police personnel, the High Court ordered the formation of an SIT under the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Mumbai. This decision was subsequently contested by the state government in the Supreme Court.
SC Clarifies No Separate FIR Needed
The Supreme Court modified the High Court's directive and instructed DGP Rashmi Shukla to constitute a new SIT. Importantly, the apex court clarified that the initial FIR registered at Mumbra police station would suffice and there was no requirement for a separate FIR against the police personnel.
