Did the SC Reject the Plea for a Probe into the Encounter of Rape Accused in Maharashtra’s Badlapur Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court dismissed a plea for an FIR on the police encounter.
- Akshay Shinde was the accused in a case involving two minor girls.
- The encounter raised significant public outrage in Maharashtra.
- Justice and accountability in police actions are crucial in such cases.
- The High Court emphasized the need for a safer environment for girls.
New Delhi, June 25 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea that sought the registration of an FIR concerning the alleged police encounter of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the heinous rape case involving two minor girls in Maharashtra’s Badlapur. This shocking case, involving girls aged just 3 and 5, occurred in Badlapur, the home district of former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, back in August of last year, leaving the entire state in disbelief. Shinde was apprehended shortly after and was fatally shot in September 2024.
A Bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and K.V. Vishwanathan chose not to entertain the public interest litigation (PIL) presented directly to the apex court under Article 32 of the Constitution.
However, Justice Nagarathna's Bench suggested that the litigant could approach the relevant High Court for a resolution of the issues raised in the writ petition.
The plea, filed by advocate Ghanshyam Dayalu Upadhyay, requested the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure that the investigation into the alleged 'killing' is conducted in a manner that is fair, impartial, and unbiased. The petition urged that the SIT should comprise individuals of impeccable integrity, drawn from both the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) and other investigative bodies.
To enhance transparency and fairness, the plea proposed that the SIT be led by a retired Supreme Court Judge, with the investigation being overseen by the apex court, ensuring strict action against the police and others involved in the unlawful killing of the accused.
In August of last year, the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of the incident and questioned the lack of action against the Adarsh Vidya Prasarak Sanstha (AVPS) school.
During the hearing, the High Court directed the Maharashtra government to 'sensitize boys' to foster a safer environment for girls in society.
The Badlapur case sent ripples of outrage throughout Maharashtra, igniting widespread public anger in response to the increasing sexual violence incidents.