Rapist’s Encounter: Justice Served Or Cover-Up?

The recent encounter of Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra, has sparked a huge political storm in the state. Shinde was killed in a police “encounter” while being transferred from Taloja Jail.

According to the police, Shinde snatched an officer’s pistol, and opened fire at the police, injuring three. He was killed on the spot in retaliatory firing by the police. While this is the official version of events, many in the opposition are refusing to believe it. They claim that this “encounter” is just a facade to hide the true culprits of the crime, as the school is owned by a BJP Leader.

The opposition, led by NCP and Congress has questioned how can a handcuffed man snatch someone’s gun and open fire at the police. The public too is questioning whether this incident was a true encounter or yet another “instant justice” by the ruling BJP-Led Mahayuti Government.

Social media has also become fairly divided on this, with some speaking out against it while others offering their support. One user wrote, “Is this justice or a convenient way to shut down a case?”. While another argued, “When the system fails, encounters seem like the only option.”

This case highlights the issue of “encounter justice” by the police, which seems to be increasing each year. While some find such instant solutions as a way to bypass our overburdened and often slow justice system, many view it as a blatant violation of our Constitution by getting rid of the due process often for quick promotions, or sometimes to hide the reality of a crime.