BJP Slams INDIA Bloc Over Badlapur Accused Encounter

In a fierce attack on the opposition INDIA bloc, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) referred to it as the "Balatkari Bachao Alliance" (Save Rapist Alliance) following the controversial police encounter of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur minor rape case. Akshay, who allegedly snatched a policeman’s gun and fired at them, was shot dead by the police.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the opposition of mourning the death of a rapist, calling it shameful. He also criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led government for trying to protect rape accused in previous incidents, such as the RG Kar Medical College case. Congress leaders were further criticized for allegedly defending rapists, with some labeling the encounter as cold-blooded murder.

Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls, was killed near Thane while being transported by the police. His family, however, denied the police’s version, calling the encounter suspicious. Opposition leaders, including Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole, have demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray also voiced concerns over the police’s actions, questioning the school's involvement and the missing directors.