CID Steps In: Key Police Officers Questioned in Controversial Badlapur Encounter Case

Statements of Policemen Involved in Badlapur Encounter Recorded

In a significant development related to the controversial encounter of the Badlapur child assault case accused, officials from the Crime Investigation Department (CID) recorded the statements of the police officers involved in the incident. The statements were taken from Thane Central crime branch’s senior inspector Sanjay Shinde, Assistant Police Inspector (API) Nilesh More from the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), and head constable Abhijeet More, who are currently receiving treatment at Jupiter Hospital in Thane. The policemen were involved in what has been described as "retaliatory firing" that resulted in the death of the accused on Monday.

Policemen Receiving Treatment After Encounter Incident

Senior inspector Sanjay Shinde and API Nilesh More were part of a police team that was escorting the accused back to Thane after securing his custody from Taloja Central Prison. During the journey, a scuffle ensued, which led to a gunfire exchange. API More sustained a bullet injury to his left thigh during the incident, while his colleagues reported high blood pressure due to the stress of the situation. Although API More’s recovery is expected to take some time, the other two officers are reported to be in stable condition and may soon be discharged, according to sources.

The fourth officer involved in the case, head constable Harish Tawade, was also part of the escort team but was not reported to have sustained injuries.

CID Investigates Mumbra Bypass Encounter Scene

On Wednesday, CID officials visited the site of the encounter along the Mumbra Bypass, where they reportedly found traces of blood. Samples have been collected and sent for forensic examination to determine whether the blood is human, in order to corroborate the accounts provided by the officers. This forensic evidence is expected to play a crucial role in piecing together the exact sequence of events.

The Encounter: Accused Attempts to Snatch Pistol

The encounter unfolded as the accused, a janitor facing charges in the Badlapur child assault case, attempted to overpower the police officers during the escort. According to the statement provided by senior inspector Shinde, the incident took place around 6:15 PM when the police vehicle was traveling on the Mumbra Bypass. The accused allegedly tried to snatch the service pistol from API Nilesh More during the journey, leading to a physical altercation. During the struggle, the gun accidentally discharged, injuring API More.

Accused Threatens Police, Fires Shots Before Being Killed

The accused, after managing to gain partial control over the gun, is said to have threatened the officers and fired two rounds at them, although he missed his target. Senior inspector Shinde, acting in self-defense, fired a retaliatory shot, which struck the accused in the head, leading to his immediate collapse. The police team rushed both the injured API More and the accused to Kalwa Hospital, where the janitor was declared dead on arrival by doctors.

Janitor's Death Sparks Calls for Investigation

Following the encounter, there has been mounting pressure from the public and opposition leaders to investigate the incident thoroughly. The parents of the deceased accused have demanded a probe into the circumstances surrounding his death, while some political figures have raised concerns about the handling of the situation. Opposition leaders have pointed to potential inconsistencies in the police’s version of events and are pushing for transparency in the investigation.

Police Seek Burial Site for Deceased Accused

In the aftermath of the incident, the Thane police have approached the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to assist in locating a suitable burial site for the accused. With opposition to the police narrative growing, the case has captured widespread attention, with many questioning the series of events that led to the fatal encounter.

CID Continues Probe Amid Public Scrutiny

The CID's investigation is ongoing, with officials reviewing both the statements made by the officers and the forensic evidence collected from the scene. The incident has raised broader questions about police conduct and accountability, and the findings of the CID's investigation will be closely watched. As the probe progresses, the police team involved remains under scrutiny, and there are increasing calls for a transparent and impartial inquiry.