Badlapur child assault accused janitor killed in police encounter: sparks controversy

The sexual assault case against the janitor had sparked widespread outrage and protests. A 23-year-old janitor, accused of sexually assaulting two young girls at a school in Badlapur, Thane district earlier this month, was shot and killed by police during a transfer to a different jail.

The incident occurred when the suspect was being transported in a police vehicle. According to authorities, he managed to snatch an officer’s weapon and opened fire, injuring three police personnel. In response, police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.

The accused was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead, police said. His body has been sent to Sir J J Hospital for post-mortem.

Investigating the Janitor’s Involvement: Was He a Silent Observer?

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the police were transporting the accused for an investigation related to a sexual assault case filed by his former wife when the accused allegedly opened fire on API Nilesh More, who was injured. “According to preliminary information, the police fired in self-defense,” Shinde said, adding that further details would emerge after a thorough investigation.

The victim’s family and opposition leaders have questioned the police’s version of events, claiming that the suspect’s hands were tied and his face covered at the time of the shooting. They have demanded a judicial probe into the incident.

Maharashtra’s Leader of Opposition, Vijay Wadettiwar, has called for a judicial investigation into the encounter, raising concerns over how the accused could have seized a firearm with his hands reportedly tied. He suggested the possibility of an attempt to eliminate evidence, particularly as trustees linked to the BJP remain at large. “We have always harbored suspicions about the police’s role. A judicial probe is necessary,” he asserted.

Echoing these concerns, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar questioned the handling of the situation, stating, “The accused should have been sentenced through the legal system, not in an encounter. The Home department’s negligence casts serious doubts.” The school’s handling of the situation has also been scrutinized, with critics accusing the administration of delaying reporting the incident to the authorities.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sexual assault case has filed chargesheets against the accused and others involved. The case is being heard in a special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act court in Kalyan.

The killing of the suspect has raised concerns about the police’s use of lethal force. Some have questioned whether the situation could have been de-escalated without resorting to deadly violence.

As the investigation continues, all aspects of the incident must be thoroughly examined to ensure a just and transparent outcome.

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