 |
|
The death of the accused in the Badlapur sexual abuse case has ignited a political storm in Maharashtra, with Congress leader and former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan accusing the police of a 'fake encounter' and demanding the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Chavan alleges that the police killed the accused, a 23-year-old janitor, to protect individuals connected to the school where the sexual abuse took place, claiming that the accused's death was orchestrated to shield Fadnavis's associates.
The police maintain that the accused was killed in a retaliatory firing after he snatched a police officer's weapon and opened fire while being transported to Thane. They claim the accused injured three police personnel before being shot down. However, Chavan dismisses this account as implausible, highlighting the high-profile nature of the case and questioning how an accused under heavy police escort could seize a weapon and carry out such a daring act.
Chavan further raises doubts about the police's version of events, questioning how a handcuffed and masked accused could overpower several officers in a moving vehicle. He points out that the police weapons are typically locked and suggests the possibility of a staged encounter. The incident has fueled accusations of a cover-up, with Chavan asserting that the police and government are attempting to protect powerful individuals connected to the school.
Fadnavis has refuted Chavan's accusations, defending the police's actions and claiming they acted in self-defense. The incident has exposed deep political divisions in Maharashtra, with the Congress accusing the BJP government of using extrajudicial means to protect its allies. The allegations of a 'fake encounter' have raised serious concerns about the rule of law and the potential for misuse of police power in the state.