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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court directed the police to identify a secluded spot for the burial of Akshay Shinde, the accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case, who was killed by Mumbai Police in an encounter.

A division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice MM Sathaye was hearing an application filed by Shinde's father, who approached the court urgently after being unable to find a burial ground for his son. Shinde had been accused of sexually assaulting two kindergarten students in Badlapur.

Advocate Amit Katarnaware, representing the father of Akshay Shinde, informed the Bombay High Court that the CEO of Ambernath Municipal Council had not granted permission for the burial and had delayed action on the file until late Thursday evening.

Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar, appearing for the police, stated that burial grounds in Badlapur and nearby areas had refused to accept Akshay's body for burial.

Venegaonkar also noted that senior members of the community mentioned there was no ritual for burial in their tradition.

However, the division bench emphasized that it was not for anyone else to decide the burial process; the decision rested with the parents, and it was the police's responsibility to ensure law and order during the burial.

The bench accordingly directed that police protection be provided at the residence and instructed Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar to inform Akshay Shinde's father about the location identified for the burial.

Akshay Shinde was killed in an encounter on Monday while being taken from the court by the police. Shinde allegedly pulled out the revolver of an officer and fired three rounds. Subsequently, one of the officers shot Shinde.