Badlapur sexual assault: Bombay High Court asks State to explore rehab for parents of deceased-accused

The Bombay High Court on Thursday expressed concern over the plight of the parents of Akshay Shinde, the man accused in the Badlapur sexual assault case who was killed in a police encounter in September this year. .The Division Bench comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and PK Chavan yesterday discussed potential avenues for the rehabilitation of Shinde's parents who had revealed that they were ostracized by the local community in Badlapur after the arrest of their son.The Court questioned the Maharashtra government about providing the parents with employment, shelter, and security.Shinde, who was accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls in a kindergarten, was shot dead by the police after he allegedly tried to take a police official's gun while being transported from jail to court. According to reports, Shinde allegedly snatched an officer's revolver and fired at police, leading to the cops shooting him dead. Following his death, protests erupted, and the Court registered a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address the escalating situation..On Thursday, the Court heard from the parents of Shinde, who spoke about their extreme hardship. The family now resides on the streets of Kalyan, surviving by begging for food and money. They added that their house had been sealed by the bank after they defaulted on loan repayments, further deepening their financial struggles.The parents, who had previously worked in housekeeping and manual labor, expressed their despair at not being able to find work..The Court, after listening to the couple’s harrowing account, questioned whether arrangements could be made for their rehabilitation, considering their vulnerability. "They are not the accused..Why should they suffer? They should not be punished," the Bench remarked. The judges also emphasized the need for a solution that would ensure the family’s survival without compromising their dignity. .The Court further inquired about the couple’s refusal to accept police protection. The mother clarified that although they are in dire need of protection, they are unable to avail the same as it would affect their livelihood.The Court acknowledged their concerns and called for a reconsideration of their rehabilitation, including the possibility of relocating them out of Badlapur.The Bench, however, made it clear that the grant of police protection must not hinder their livelihood..The Court directed the police to assess the threat perception to the family within a week and decide whether they could be provided with protection. The Court further urged the Maharashtra Government to explore options for providing work to the parents, who are in dire need of support."There must be some scheme for providing jobs to them or some social service work," it observed.The matter has been adjourned for further hearing on January 13, 2025.