Maharashtra, the most sought after state for major parties, is witnessing a fierce political battle. With more than 9.6 crore voters going to cast their votes today, 4,136 candidates – 2,050 from various parties and 2,086 independents – are vying to make it to the 288-member assembly. Watch in for more details!

Maharashtra Election 2024: Mahayuti Or MVA? Which Side Will Voters Pick?

The Maharashtra assembly elections will be held on November 20, with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance vying to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) combine hoping for a strong comeback. Watch this report for more details!

India: Maharashtra Prepares For Mega-Showdown in Assembly Polls

The election campaign for the Maharashtra assembly polls ended on Monday. Polling will be held in all the 288 assembly seats on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23. Watch this report for more details!

India: Maharashtra Assembly Election Campaign Comes To An End

Maharashtra, contributing over 10% of India’s GDP, is India’s top economic driver due largely to Mumbai, the country's commercial capital. However, despite the city's prosperity, the state’s economic health is under pressure.

Maharashtra Election: High Stakes For India's Richest State

Maharashtra’s coalition parties are in a heated dispute over the controversial remark "Katenge Toh Batenge" (cut them, and they’ll talk) made by a state leader. The comment, which was seen as a threat to opposition members, has sparked outrage, leading to tensions within the ruling alliance and calls for accountability.

Maharashtra Coalition Parties See Red Over 'Katenge Toh Batenge'

<p>The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune in Maharashtra from November 8 to 21.</p>

<p>According to a Defence Ministry release, this two-week training program is designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations.</p>

<p>"The 3rd edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. The exercise, which commenced on November 8, will continue until November 21, featuring a comprehensive two-week training program designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations," the release mentioned.</p>

<p>The first phase of AustraHind 2024 has already seen troops from both countries actively engaging in a variety of training activities, including physical fitness, martial arts, joint tactical planning, special arms skills etc.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India, Australia Hold Joint Military Exercise 'AustraHind' In Pune; Forces Focus On Interoperability</strong></p>

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<p>"Participants have also been practising combat scenarios such as raiding a hostile target and administering combat first aid to injured soldiers. These drills aim to improve coordination and build mutual understanding between the Indian and Australian forces," the release read.</p>

<p>As part of the exercise's social and cultural activities, both contingents participated in an excursion to the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune, providing a cultural and historical experience. The Australian contingent also had the opportunity to visit the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune, on November 12.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australia-orders-ex-indian-envoy-to-pay-hefty-compensation-to-former-help-for-alleged-exploitation-655667"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Australia orders ex-Indian envoy to pay hefty compensation to former domestic help for alleged exploitation</strong></a></p>

<p>"During the visit, the participants were familiarised with the NDA's state-of-the-art training facilities and had the chance to interact with instructor staff, gaining insights into the academy's rigorous training environment and its legacy of discipline and excellence in shaping future military leaders," the release read.</p>

<p>Looking ahead, Phase II of the exercise will focus on joint combat drills and tactical exercises aimed at further enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability between the two forces.</p>

<p>The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise, scheduled from November 19-20, which will test the skills and coordination achieved during the preceding training phases.</p>

<p>AustraHind 2024 underscores the strong and growing defence ties between India and Australia, as both nations continue to work together to strengthen regional security and foster closer military collaboration, the release added.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune in Maharashtra from November 8 to 21.

The third edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune in Maharashtra from November 8 to 21. According to a Defence Ministry release, this two-week training program is designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations. "The 3rd edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise, AustraHind, is currently underway at the Foreign Training Node in Aundh, Pune. The exercise, which commenced on November 8, will continue until November 21, featuring a comprehensive two-week training program designed to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations," the release mentioned. The first phase of AustraHind 2024 has already seen troops from both countries actively engaging in a variety of training activities, including physical fitness, martial arts, joint tactical planning, special arms skills etc. Watch | India, Australia Hold Joint Military Exercise 'AustraHind' In Pune; Forces Focus On Interoperability × "Participants have also been practising combat scenarios such as raiding a hostile target and administering combat first aid to injured soldiers. These drills aim to improve coordination and build mutual understanding between the Indian and Australian forces," the release read. As part of the exercise's social and cultural activities, both contingents participated in an excursion to the historic Sinhagad Fort near Pune, providing a cultural and historical experience. The Australian contingent also had the opportunity to visit the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune, on November 12. Also read: Australia orders ex-Indian envoy to pay hefty compensation to former domestic help for alleged exploitation "During the visit, the participants were familiarised with the NDA's state-of-the-art training facilities and had the chance to interact with instructor staff, gaining insights into the academy's rigorous training environment and its legacy of discipline and excellence in shaping future military leaders," the release read. Looking ahead, Phase II of the exercise will focus on joint combat drills and tactical exercises aimed at further enhancing the operational readiness and interoperability between the two forces. The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise, scheduled from November 19-20, which will test the skills and coordination achieved during the preceding training phases. AustraHind 2024 underscores the strong and growing defence ties between India and Australia, as both nations continue to work together to strengthen regional security and foster closer military collaboration, the release added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India, Australia hold two-week joint military exercise 'AustraHind' in Pune

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat.</p>

<p>Addressing his first rally in the state for the November 20 assembly elections, Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>“You all know my affinity with Maharashtra,” Modi said.</p>

<p>“We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people,” Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra’s Dhule district.</p>

<p>Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly.</p>

<p>“I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop,” Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-responds-to-mizoram-cm-lalduhomas-controversial-statement-in-the-us-774548">MEA responds to Mizoram CM Lalduhoma's controversial statement in the US</a></strong></p>

<p>The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs.</p>

<p>The Congress was in power simultaneously at Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, Modi said.</p>

<p>“A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing,” Modi said.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra is a vehicle that has neither wheels nor brakes, and there is a fight there to sit on the driver's seat. Addressing his first rally in the state for the November 20 assembly elections, Modi said only the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will ensure speedy development of Maharashtra. “You all know my affinity with Maharashtra,” Modi said. “We consider people as another form of god, but some people are in politics to loot people,” Modi said, addressing the rally in north Maharashtra’s Dhule district. Modi said that whenever he has asked for something from the people of Maharashtra, they have given him their blessings wholeheartedly. “I assure you that the pace at which Maharashtra's development has gained in the last two-and-a-half years will not be allowed to stop,” Modi said. Also read: MEA responds to Mizoram CM Lalduhoma's controversial statement in the US The prime minister said that only the BJP-led Mahayuti government can provide the good governance that Maharashtra needs. The Congress was in power simultaneously at Centre and in Maharashtra but never felt the need for Marathi to be given the status of classical language, Modi said. “A dangerous game of pitting one caste against another is being played by the Congress as that party can never see Dalits, backward classes and tribals progressing,” Modi said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: PM Modi mocks Maha Vikas Aghadi as ‘vehicle without wheels or brakes’ at Maharashtra rally

<p>Police in the Indian city of Nagpur identified a man from Maharashtra's Gondia as the person responsible for the recent wave of hoax bomb threats, causing delayed flights and high security at airports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Nagpur police, 35-year-old Jagdish Uikey has been named as the suspect behind these hoax threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in 2021 also, Uikey, an author of a book on terrorism, was arrested in a case, the police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Uikey is currently on the run after these emails were traced back to him," the senior police official said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-85-indian-flights-receive-fresh-bomb-threats-770373"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;At least 85 more Indian flights receive bomb threats in 24 hours</strong></a></p>

<p>Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shweta Khedkar is leading the investigation, uncovering details of the case linked to the suspect's emails.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These emails were sent to various government offices, including the prime minister's Office, railway minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy, airline offices, the director general of police, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The security measures were increased on October 21 after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw received an email from Uikey, and the mail was also forwarded to the Director General of Police (DGP) and RPF.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India Investigates Hoax Airline Bomb Threats</strong></p>

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<p>The Nagpur police also heightened security outside Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’ residence in the city after the suspect sent an email threatening to protest against those&nbsp;given a chance to present his information on the secret terror code he claimed to have deciphered.</p>

<p>Moreover, Uikey requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss terror threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 13 days, up to October 26, over 300 Indian flights have received hoax bomb threats, mostly via social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 22 only, around 50 flights were impacted due to the hoax bomb threats, affecting IndiGo airlines and Air India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Police in the Indian city of Nagpur identified a man from Maharashtra's Gondia as the person responsible for the recent wave of hoax bomb threats, causing delayed flights and high security at airports.

Police in the Indian city of Nagpur identified a man from Maharashtra's Gondia as the person responsible for the recent wave of hoax bomb threats, causing delayed flights and high security at airports. According to the Nagpur police, 35-year-old Jagdish Uikey has been named as the suspect behind these hoax threats. Earlier in 2021 also, Uikey, an author of a book on terrorism, was arrested in a case, the police said. "Uikey is currently on the run after these emails were traced back to him," the senior police official said. Also read: At least 85 more Indian flights receive bomb threats in 24 hours Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shweta Khedkar is leading the investigation, uncovering details of the case linked to the suspect's emails. These emails were sent to various government offices, including the prime minister's Office, railway minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, his deputy, airline offices, the director general of police, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The security measures were increased on October 21 after Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw received an email from Uikey, and the mail was also forwarded to the Director General of Police (DGP) and RPF. Watch | India Investigates Hoax Airline Bomb Threats × The Nagpur police also heightened security outside Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’ residence in the city after the suspect sent an email threatening to protest against those given a chance to present his information on the secret terror code he claimed to have deciphered. Moreover, Uikey requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss terror threats. In 13 days, up to October 26, over 300 Indian flights have received hoax bomb threats, mostly via social media. On October 22 only, around 50 flights were impacted due to the hoax bomb threats, affecting IndiGo airlines and Air India. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Nagpur police identify man behind wave of hoax bomb threats to airlines

In the upcoming Maharashtra elections, several candidates related to prominent political figures have been granted tickets to contest. This trend highlights the influence of political dynasties in the region, as families of established leaders seek to continue their legacy. The decision has sparked discussions about merit versus lineage in candidate selection, as parties aim to capitalize on the recognition and support associated with these well-known names.

Maharashtra Elections: Kin Of Big Guns Given Tickets To Contest

<p>The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it.</p>

<p>Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order on a plea filed by the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as it issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction.</p>

<p>The top court on March 19 and April 4 had directed the Ajit Pawar-led faction to issue a public notice in the newspapers in English, Hindi and Marathi editions notifying that the allocation of "clock" symbol was sub-judice. The apex court had further said the Ajit faction was permitted to use the symbol subject to the case's final outcome.</p>

<p>During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for the Sharad Pawar faction. Singhvi submitted that the opponent group should be restrained from using the "clock" symbol as it didn't use the disclaimer in their campaign materials and "misled" voters.</p>

<p>"They have been blatantly not using the disclaimer. They want to piggyback on me. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of the symbol which is sub-judice," submitted Singhvi.</p>

<p>The top court directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-794f48bd-7fff-ab53-d59a-f4fe6ddfcb44">–</b>&nbsp;"NCP's 'clock' symbol is sub-judice" –&nbsp;was being meticulously complied with even during the process of the state assembly elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tardy-paddy-procurement-indian-farmers-to-protest-and-block-roads-in-punjab-on-saturday-770423">‘Tardy’ paddy procurement: Indian farmers to protest, block roads in Punjab on Saturday</a></strong></p>

<p>"File a fresh undertaking as well that you have not violated our directions in the past and till the end of elections. If there is any violation, we will take note of it. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don't create an embarrassing situation," the bench said.</p>

<p>Singhvi said the Ajit Pawar group should be allocated a new symbol for the assembly elections.</p>

<p>Senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar, opposed Singhvi's submissions and said all pamphlets and campaign materials contained the disclaimers as directed by the apex court.</p>

<p>"They are showing false documents. We have given disclaimers in our publicity material. They came up with the same allegations during the Lok Sabha polls which were rejected. I am willing to file all documents and pamphlets," Singh said.</p>

<p>The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6.</p>

<p>Sharad Pawar moved the apex court against a February 6 order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognising Ajit Pawar-led group as the real NCP.</p>

<p>The ECI had allotted the NCP's "clock" symbol to the group led by Ajit Pawar. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, had the "clock" as its election symbol before its split.</p>

<p>On March 19, the top court allowed the Sharad Pawar faction to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name along with the symbol of a man blowing "turha" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-jaishankar-at-brics-says-disputes-and-differences-must-be-settled-by-dialogue-and-diplomacy-770414">India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy</a></strong></p>

<p>It had passed the order on a plea by the Sharad Pawar group seeking to restrain the Ajit Pawar faction from using the "clock" symbol for the polls, as allotted by the ECI, on the ground that it was disrupting the level playing field.</p>

<p>The top court had observed the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains.<br />
<br />
On February 19, the top court directed for the continuation of the ECI order allotting "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar to be the real NCP and said the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution couldn't be used to stifle internal dissent.</p>

<p>Sharad Pawar had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from Congress.<br />
<br />
Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of the NCP MLAs in July 2023 and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it.

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 24) directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP to use the "clock" symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub-judice before it. Justices Surya Kant, Dipankar Datta and Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order on a plea filed by the rival Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction as it issued a notice to the Ajit Pawar-led faction. The top court on March 19 and April 4 had directed the Ajit Pawar-led faction to issue a public notice in the newspapers in English, Hindi and Marathi editions notifying that the allocation of "clock" symbol was sub-judice. The apex court had further said the Ajit faction was permitted to use the symbol subject to the case's final outcome. During the proceedings on Thursday, the bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who appeared for the Sharad Pawar faction. Singhvi submitted that the opponent group should be restrained from using the "clock" symbol as it didn't use the disclaimer in their campaign materials and "misled" voters. "They have been blatantly not using the disclaimer. They want to piggyback on me. Nobody should enjoy the goodwill of the symbol which is sub-judice," submitted Singhvi. The top court directed Ajit Pawar to file a fresh undertaking over its March 19 and April 4 directions to issue a public notice – "NCP's 'clock' symbol is sub-judice" – was being meticulously complied with even during the process of the state assembly elections. Also Read | ‘Tardy’ paddy procurement: Indian farmers to protest, block roads in Punjab on Saturday "File a fresh undertaking as well that you have not violated our directions in the past and till the end of elections. If there is any violation, we will take note of it. We expect both sides to comply with our directions. Please don't create an embarrassing situation," the bench said. Singhvi said the Ajit Pawar group should be allocated a new symbol for the assembly elections. Senior advocate Balbir Singh, appearing for Ajit Pawar, opposed Singhvi's submissions and said all pamphlets and campaign materials contained the disclaimers as directed by the apex court. "They are showing false documents. We have given disclaimers in our publicity material. They came up with the same allegations during the Lok Sabha polls which were rejected. I am willing to file all documents and pamphlets," Singh said. The matter has been posted for hearing on November 6. Sharad Pawar moved the apex court against a February 6 order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognising Ajit Pawar-led group as the real NCP. The ECI had allotted the NCP's "clock" symbol to the group led by Ajit Pawar. The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, had the "clock" as its election symbol before its split. On March 19, the top court allowed the Sharad Pawar faction to use "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as its name along with the symbol of a man blowing "turha" ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country. Also Read | India’s MEA Jaishankar at BRICS says disputes and differences must be settled by dialogue, diplomacy It had passed the order on a plea by the Sharad Pawar group seeking to restrain the Ajit Pawar faction from using the "clock" symbol for the polls, as allotted by the ECI, on the ground that it was disrupting the level playing field. The top court had observed the name and photographs of Sharad Pawar could not be used by the Ajit Pawar faction for political gains. On February 19, the top court directed for the continuation of the ECI order allotting "Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar" as the party name for the Sharad Pawar faction. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar had on February 15 held the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar to be the real NCP and said the anti-defection provisions in the Constitution couldn't be used to stifle internal dissent. Sharad Pawar had founded the NCP with former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma and Tariq Anwar in 1999 after their expulsion from Congress. Ajit Pawar had walked away with a majority of the NCP MLAs in July 2023 and supported the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Eknath Shinde. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Supreme Court allows Ajit Pawar’s NCP to use ‘clock’ symbol in Maharashtra elections, with disclaimer

The Election Commission of India announced that Maharashtra Assembly elections will be held on November 20, while Jharkhand will go to the polls in two phases, on November 13 and 20. The results for both states will be declared on November 23. In Maharashtra, the BJP, in alliance with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, is aiming to return to power. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the BJP is looking to make significant gains and challenge the current political landscape.

ECI Announces Dates For Maharashtra and Jharkhand Polls, Results On November 23

<p>Minutes before the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the dates of Assembly elections in Maharashtra on Tuesday (Oct 15), Chief Minister&nbsp;Eknath Shinde announced a Diwali bonus for government employees, kindergarten teachers and ASHA workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shinde said all employees of the civic body,&nbsp;Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will receive a bonus of Rs 28,000 ($333). Meanwhile, the state kindergarten teachers and ASHA workers would receive Rs 3,000 more than what they received last year. Notably,&nbsp;on November 8 last year, Shinde had announced a Rs 26,000 bonus for the employees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After the discussion between the Chief Minister and Municipal Corporation Commissioner, for Diwali – 2024, it has been announced to give the following Gratuity Grants to Municipal Corporation Officers/Employees,” a press statement by BMC said.</p>

<p>The announcement was cleverly planned as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force immediately once election dates are declared and remains in force till the results are announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, MCC&nbsp;is a set of guidelines by the ECI that spells out how political parties and candidates must conduct themselves during the election campaign and polling.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Election Commission Of India Announces Dates For Maharashtra and Jharkhand Polls</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Maharashtra election dates</strong></h2>

<p>Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during a media briefing on Tuesday announced that the western Indian state would go to polls in a single phase on November 20, with the results set to be announced on November 23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last date for filing nominations is October 29 while the candidates can withdraw their names&nbsp;till November 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/poll-body-eci-dismisses-congress-claims-of-evm-tampering-in-haryana-elections-says-cant-be-hacked-767748"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Poll body ECI dismisses Congress claims of EVM tampering in Haryana elections, says 'can't be hacked'</strong></a></p>

<p>The voters will be casting their ballot for candidates on 288 Assembly seats. The majority mark is 145 with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently having 103 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha. The saffron party is in coalition with Shinde's Shiv Sena&nbsp;which has 40 MLAss and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) which has 43 legislators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition alliance in the state is called the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) and comprises Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Minutes before the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the dates of Assembly elections in Maharashtra on Tuesday (Oct 15), Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a Diwali bonus for government employees, kindergarten teachers and ASHA workers.

Minutes before the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the dates of Assembly elections in Maharashtra on Tuesday (Oct 15), Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a Diwali bonus for government employees, kindergarten teachers and ASHA workers. Shinde said all employees of the civic body, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), will receive a bonus of Rs 28,000 ($333). Meanwhile, the state kindergarten teachers and ASHA workers would receive Rs 3,000 more than what they received last year. Notably, on November 8 last year, Shinde had announced a Rs 26,000 bonus for the employees. "After the discussion between the Chief Minister and Municipal Corporation Commissioner, for Diwali – 2024, it has been announced to give the following Gratuity Grants to Municipal Corporation Officers/Employees,” a press statement by BMC said. The announcement was cleverly planned as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force immediately once election dates are declared and remains in force till the results are announced. Notably, MCC is a set of guidelines by the ECI that spells out how political parties and candidates must conduct themselves during the election campaign and polling. Watch | Election Commission Of India Announces Dates For Maharashtra and Jharkhand Polls Maharashtra election dates Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during a media briefing on Tuesday announced that the western Indian state would go to polls in a single phase on November 20, with the results set to be announced on November 23. The last date for filing nominations is October 29 while the candidates can withdraw their names till November 4. Also read | Poll body ECI dismisses Congress claims of EVM tampering in Haryana elections, says 'can't be hacked' The voters will be casting their ballot for candidates on 288 Assembly seats. The majority mark is 145 with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) currently having 103 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha. The saffron party is in coalition with Shinde's Shiv Sena which has 40 MLAss and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) which has 43 legislators. The opposition alliance in the state is called the Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) and comprises Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar). (With inputs from agencies)

Clever or foul? Maharashtra CM declares Diwali bonus for govt employees before election date announcement

BREAKING: Election Commission Of India Announces Dates For Maharashtra and Jharkhand Polls

<p>A tragic incident in Pune's Junnar tehsil has left a 40-year-old woman dead after a leopard attacked her while she was working in a soybean field. The state forest department officials confirmed the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of leopard attacks in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Here’s what happened</strong></h2>

<p>The incident took place around 6 am when Sujata Dhere was working in a soybean field, which was surrounded by sugarcane farms where a leopard was hiding. Mistaking her for prey, the leopard attacked and dragged her nearly 100 feet, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-cbi-lists-dna-evidence-against-sanjay-roy-blood-stains-of-victim-on-his-clothes-766008">Kolkata horror: CBI lists DNA evidence against Sanjay Roy, blood stains of victim on his clothes</a></p>

<p>After the attack, police and forest officials arrived to investigate, and Dhere's body was sent for&nbsp;post-mortem examination. This tragic event is the seventh fatal leopard attack in the Junnar forest division since March, heightening concerns about the rising number of encounters of humans with the&nbsp;big cats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/syrian-refugee-his-11-month-old-son-attacked-with-acid-outside-delhis-unhc-office-765956">Syrian refugee, his 11-month-old son attacked with acid outside Delhi's UNHC office</a></p>

<h2><strong>Search operations underway</strong></h2>

<p>Smita Rajahans, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Junnar Forest Division, stated that significant efforts are being made to find the leopard. "The search and capture operation is ongoing in Pimpri-Pendhar village and surrounding areas. We have set up trap cameras, cages, and are utilising thermal drones to locate the leopard. We are also working to raise awareness among residents and have advised them to adhere strictly to safety guidelines."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parents-have-right-to-access-cancer-victims-frozen-semen-for-procreation-delhi-hc-766009">Parents have right to access cancer victim's frozen semen for procreation: Delhi HC</a></p>

<p>The operation involves the deployment of 40 cages, 50 camera traps, and thermal drones to track the animal. The forest department is also advising the local community about safety measures amid the surge in leopard attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A tragic incident in Pune's Junnar tehsil has left a 40-year-old woman dead after a leopard attacked her while she was working in a soybean field. The state forest department officials confirmed the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of leopard attacks in the region.

A tragic incident in Pune's Junnar tehsil has left a 40-year-old woman dead after a leopard attacked her while she was working in a soybean field. The state forest department officials confirmed the incident, which has raised significant concerns about the increasing frequency of leopard attacks in the region. Here’s what happened The incident took place around 6 am when Sujata Dhere was working in a soybean field, which was surrounded by sugarcane farms where a leopard was hiding. Mistaking her for prey, the leopard attacked and dragged her nearly 100 feet, causing severe injuries that ultimately led to her death. Also read | Kolkata horror: CBI lists DNA evidence against Sanjay Roy, blood stains of victim on his clothes After the attack, police and forest officials arrived to investigate, and Dhere's body was sent for post-mortem examination. This tragic event is the seventh fatal leopard attack in the Junnar forest division since March, heightening concerns about the rising number of encounters of humans with the big cats. Also read | Syrian refugee, his 11-month-old son attacked with acid outside Delhi's UNHC office Search operations underway Smita Rajahans, Assistant Conservator of Forests for the Junnar Forest Division, stated that significant efforts are being made to find the leopard. "The search and capture operation is ongoing in Pimpri-Pendhar village and surrounding areas. We have set up trap cameras, cages, and are utilising thermal drones to locate the leopard. We are also working to raise awareness among residents and have advised them to adhere strictly to safety guidelines." Also read | Parents have right to access cancer victim's frozen semen for procreation: Delhi HC The operation involves the deployment of 40 cages, 50 camera traps, and thermal drones to track the animal. The forest department is also advising the local community about safety measures amid the surge in leopard attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Leopard attack claims life of 40-year-old woman in Pune, body dragged for 100 feet

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">In India, a helicopter crash in the Bavdhan area of Pune, Maharashtra, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three&nbsp;individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday (Oct 2)&nbsp;around 7 am, said the Pimpri Chinchwad police.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1919}">According to reports, the helicopter belonged to a Delhi-based private firm, the Heritage Aviation.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:181,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}">What happened?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">According to reports, the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the Oxford Golf Club's helipad. It was on its way to Juhu, Mumbai.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:212,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2049}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/accused-arrested-in-attempt-to-derail-train-in-gujarat-are-indebted-labourers-763771">Accused arrested in attempt to derail train in Gujarat are indebted labourers</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2081}">Earlier,&nbsp;Senior Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat of the Hinjewadi police station said that two people were involved in the crash, and the chopper later caught fire.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:294,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}">"A helicopter crashed in Bavdhan area of Pune district. As per primary information, two persons are feared dead. It is yet to be ascertained whose helicopter it was as it is currently up in flames."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:344,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2181}">Later Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey revealed that three people have died in the crash.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:393,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2230}">"Three persons have died in the helicopter crash. Our teams along with fire department vehicles have reached the spot," said Choubey.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:443,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}">According to&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad,&nbsp;the helicopter crashed in hilly terrain and the three people killed were two pilots and an engineer.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:443,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2280}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-stunt-controversy-erupts-as-idols-of-sai-baba-removed-from-up-temples-763646">Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:493,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2330}">Water tankers and fire service were rushed to the spot, said fire officials.&nbsp;Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's fire officer Anil Dimle has identified the deceased as&nbsp;Girish Kumar, Pritam Singh Bhardwaj and Paramjeet Singh. He said&nbsp;that fog in the area led to the tragic accident but&nbsp;a "detailed investigation will ascertain the exact cause of the crash."&nbsp;</p>

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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:133,&quot;y&quot;:1165,&quot;w&quot;:471,&quot;h&quot;:32,&quot;abs_x&quot;:166,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3002}" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:255,&quot;y&quot;:1174,&quot;w&quot;:227,&quot;h&quot;:15,&quot;abs_x&quot;:288,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3011}" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAm2ns8O2eU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by WION (@wionews)</a></p>
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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1230,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3067}">PTI reports that an official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the incident took place at 7.40 am and confirmed that the crashed chopper&nbsp;was an Agusta 109.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1280,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3117}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1280,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3117}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In India, a helicopter crash in the Bavdhan area of Pune, Maharashtra, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday (Oct 2) around 7 am, said the Pimpri Chinchwad police.

In India, a helicopter crash in the Bavdhan area of Pune, Maharashtra, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred on Wednesday (Oct 2) around 7 am, said the Pimpri Chinchwad police. According to reports, the helicopter belonged to a Delhi-based private firm, the Heritage Aviation. What happened? According to reports, the helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the Oxford Golf Club's helipad. It was on its way to Juhu, Mumbai. Also read | Accused arrested in attempt to derail train in Gujarat are indebted labourers Earlier, Senior Inspector Kanhaiya Thorat of the Hinjewadi police station said that two people were involved in the crash, and the chopper later caught fire. "A helicopter crashed in Bavdhan area of Pune district. As per primary information, two persons are feared dead. It is yet to be ascertained whose helicopter it was as it is currently up in flames." Later Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey revealed that three people have died in the crash. "Three persons have died in the helicopter crash. Our teams along with fire department vehicles have reached the spot," said Choubey. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad, the helicopter crashed in hilly terrain and the three people killed were two pilots and an engineer. Also read | Political stunt’: Controversy erupts as idols of Sai Baba removed from UP temples Water tankers and fire service were rushed to the spot, said fire officials. Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation's fire officer Anil Dimle has identified the deceased as Girish Kumar, Pritam Singh Bhardwaj and Paramjeet Singh. He said that fog in the area led to the tragic accident but a "detailed investigation will ascertain the exact cause of the crash." View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × PTI reports that an official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the incident took place at 7.40 am and confirmed that the crashed chopper was an Agusta 109. (With inputs from agencies)

Pune helicopter crash: Three killed as helicopter catches fire in India's Maharashtra

<p>After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune was cancelled on Thursday due to heavy rain, Baramati MP and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule criticised him, saying that he had already inaugurated the metro in the city five times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sule hit out at the PM, saying it would have been the sixth time for him to have inaugurated the project in Pune.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The inauguration of the metro for which PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pune, has already been done five times. It would have been the sixth time if PM Modi came for the same," she said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-rains-red-alert-issued-flights-disrupted-trains-halted-schools-and-colleges-closed-762015"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Mumbai rains: Red alert issued, flights disrupted, trains halted, schools and colleges closed</strong></a></p>

<p>Further attacking the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government, Sule said the latter should not have disturbed a busy person like PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is very shocking that the Maharashtra government was seeking time from a busy person like the PM for the same task..." she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was scheduled to flag off the metro train line from the District Court to Swargate in Pune and launch development projects.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Request to inaugurate metro 'online'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Sule then requested PM Modi to inaugurate the Metro online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So I request the PM to inaugurate Pune Metro online...it is the same project he had inaugurated five times in the past...it will help the people of Pune city and the inauguration must not wait for the next visit of the PM," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Mumbai Struggles Under Torrential Rains, IMD Issues Red Alert</strong></p>

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<p>After heavy rains in the city on Wednesday, the SP College ground, which was the venue of PM Modi's programme, was waterlogged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM's visit to Pune has been cancelled and the programme&nbsp;officially postponed," Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra Metro spokesperson Hemant Sonawane said, "The programme has been cancelled due to the orange alert (for heavy rains) issued for Thursday by the IMD. If there are rains, people coming for the programme may face hassles, so for the safety of the people, the programme&nbsp;has been cancelled."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune was cancelled on Thursday due to heavy rain, Baramati MP and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule criticised him, saying that he had already inaugurated the metro in the city five times.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Pune was cancelled on Thursday due to heavy rain, Baramati MP and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) Supriya Sule criticised him, saying that he had already inaugurated the metro in the city five times. Sule hit out at the PM, saying it would have been the sixth time for him to have inaugurated the project in Pune. "The inauguration of the metro for which PM Modi was scheduled to visit Pune, has already been done five times. It would have been the sixth time if PM Modi came for the same," she said. Also read: Mumbai rains: Red alert issued, flights disrupted, trains halted, schools and colleges closed Further attacking the BJP-Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government, Sule said the latter should not have disturbed a busy person like PM Modi. "This is very shocking that the Maharashtra government was seeking time from a busy person like the PM for the same task..." she added. PM Modi was scheduled to flag off the metro train line from the District Court to Swargate in Pune and launch development projects. Request to inaugurate metro 'online' Sule then requested PM Modi to inaugurate the Metro online. "So I request the PM to inaugurate Pune Metro online...it is the same project he had inaugurated five times in the past...it will help the people of Pune city and the inauguration must not wait for the next visit of the PM," she added. Watch | Mumbai Struggles Under Torrential Rains, IMD Issues Red Alert × After heavy rains in the city on Wednesday, the SP College ground, which was the venue of PM Modi's programme, was waterlogged. "The PM's visit to Pune has been cancelled and the programme officially postponed," Pune divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar said. Maharashtra Metro spokesperson Hemant Sonawane said, "The programme has been cancelled due to the orange alert (for heavy rains) issued for Thursday by the IMD. If there are rains, people coming for the programme may face hassles, so for the safety of the people, the programme has been cancelled." (With inputs from agencies)

‘PM Modi would have inaugurated Pune metro for sixth time,’ Surpiya Sule hits out after PM cancels visit

<p>The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high court also said that the shootout of the accused could have been avoided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police statement, Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van&nbsp;while he was being taken to Badlapur from Taloja jail, and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Why was the accused shot in the head directly and not in the legs or arms first,” the Bombay High Court questioned.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extra-judicial-killing-cop-who-shot-akshay-shinde-linked-to-encounter-specialist-pradeep-sharma-761542"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma</strong></a></p>

<p>Replying to the bench, the Chief Public Prosecutor said, "The officer did not think this, and he just reacted. It was an on-the-spot reaction."</p>

<p>Justice Prithviraj Chavan said, "The moment he pulled the first trigger, the others could have easily overpowered him. He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept. This cannot be termed as an encounter."</p>

<p>Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter and demanded a Special &nbsp;Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Cognisance</strong></p>

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<p>Stressing that it was hard to believe the police statement, the court said, "You said the accused fired three bullets towards the police. Only one hit the cop. What about the other two? Was there any ricochet?"</p>

<p>During the hearing, the high court told the public prosecutor that a revolver can't be unlocked quickly by a physically weak man. “It is not very easy,” it said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

The Bombay High Court questioned the Mumbai Police regarding the death of the Badlapur sexual assault accused, Askhay Shinde, and said that the incident could not be "termed an encounter", stressing that a probe should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner. The high court also said that the shootout of the accused could have been avoided. According to the police statement, Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van while he was being taken to Badlapur from Taloja jail, and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot. “Why was the accused shot in the head directly and not in the legs or arms first,” the Bombay High Court questioned. Also read: Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma Replying to the bench, the Chief Public Prosecutor said, "The officer did not think this, and he just reacted. It was an on-the-spot reaction." Justice Prithviraj Chavan said, "The moment he pulled the first trigger, the others could have easily overpowered him. He wasn't a huge built up or strong man. This is very difficult to accept. This cannot be termed as an encounter." Akshay Shinde's father, Anna Shinde, filed a petition in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday, alleging that his son was killed in a fake encounter and demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. Watch | Badlapur Sexual Assault Case: Bombay High Court hears matter after Suo Moto Cognisance × Stressing that it was hard to believe the police statement, the court said, "You said the accused fired three bullets towards the police. Only one hit the cop. What about the other two? Was there any ricochet?" During the hearing, the high court told the public prosecutor that a revolver can't be unlocked quickly by a physically weak man. “It is not very easy,” it said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cannot be termed an encounter': Bombay HC pulls up Mumbai Police over Badlapur accused’s death

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2025}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:119,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2025}">Badlapur horror:</strong> Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur<strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:119,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2025}">&nbsp;</strong>town of&nbsp;India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23). The man was reportedly killed by Sanjay Shinde, who as per reports worked with suspended cop Pradeep Sharma, popularly known as 'encounter specialist'. The accused was trying to escape and had snatched the weapon of a cop and injured him by firing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2111}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:101,&quot;w&quot;:306,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2111}">How did Akshay Shinde die?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:84,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2156}">According to reports, the accused Akshay Shinde was being transported to Badlapur in Thane district from Tajola Jail in Navi Mumbai, when he allegedly snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire. He was grievously injured in retaliatory fire and succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kalwa. A police officer, identified as API Nilesh More, was injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:246,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2256}">The shooting incident happened around 6:15 pm IST, when the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:606,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:278,&quot;w&quot;:606,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-opposition-allege-accused-akshay-shinde-was-killed-in-encounter-761286">Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2340}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:510,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2340}">Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma connection</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:375,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">According to an India Today report, Sanjay Shinde, the cop whose bullets killed the accused, had previously worked with the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Police Crime Branch, then headed by Pradeep Sharma. He was also part of the team which arrested Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:458,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2468}">Pradeep Sharma, India's 'encounter specialist', is notorious for neutralising over 100 criminals during his career. Sharma joined the police force in 1983 and gained infamy in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters of members of the Mumbai underworld, mostly linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:541,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2551}">Later in his career, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for his role in the 2006 fake encounter of Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged aide of Chhota Rajan.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:589,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:590,&quot;w&quot;:589,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2600}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-accused-akshay-shinde-shot-dead-in-defence-after-he-opens-fire-at-police-761263">Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:642,&quot;w&quot;:437,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}">Investigation into Akshay Shinde's death</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:687,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2697}">On Tuesday (Sep 24), a team of forensic experts examined the police vehicle in which the Badlapur sexual assault accused was allegedly shot. The death in police custody will be investigated by the Maharashtra CID, who will visit the spot where it happened and also record statements from personnel at the scene.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:770,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2780}">The CID team will also record statements of Akshay Shinde's parents. His father, Anna Shinde has demanded an inquiry into the killing. The accused's family has challenged claims that he snatched a gun and fired at policemen.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:836,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2846}">Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:885,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2895}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:885,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2895}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23).

Badlapur horror: Akshay Shinde, the 24-year-old accused of sexually assaulting two minor girls at a school in Badlapur town of India's Maharashtra state, was shot dead on Monday (Sep 23). The man was reportedly killed by Sanjay Shinde, who as per reports worked with suspended cop Pradeep Sharma, popularly known as 'encounter specialist'. The accused was trying to escape and had snatched the weapon of a cop and injured him by firing. How did Akshay Shinde die? According to reports, the accused Akshay Shinde was being transported to Badlapur in Thane district from Tajola Jail in Navi Mumbai, when he allegedly snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire. He was grievously injured in retaliatory fire and succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Kalwa. A police officer, identified as API Nilesh More, was injured in the incident and is undergoing treatment. The shooting incident happened around 6:15 pm IST, when the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass. Also read | Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’ Sanjay Shinde and Pradeep Sharma connection According to an India Today report, Sanjay Shinde, the cop whose bullets killed the accused, had previously worked with the anti-extortion cell of the Thane Police Crime Branch, then headed by Pradeep Sharma. He was also part of the team which arrested Iqbal Kaskar, the brother of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Pradeep Sharma, India's 'encounter specialist', is notorious for neutralising over 100 criminals during his career. Sharma joined the police force in 1983 and gained infamy in the 1990s for his role in high-profile encounters of members of the Mumbai underworld, mostly linked to Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan. Later in his career, he was convicted and sentenced to prison for his role in the 2006 fake encounter of Lakhan Bhaiya, an alleged aide of Chhota Rajan. Also read | Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops Investigation into Akshay Shinde's death On Tuesday (Sep 24), a team of forensic experts examined the police vehicle in which the Badlapur sexual assault accused was allegedly shot. The death in police custody will be investigated by the Maharashtra CID, who will visit the spot where it happened and also record statements from personnel at the scene. The CID team will also record statements of Akshay Shinde's parents. His father, Anna Shinde has demanded an inquiry into the killing. The accused's family has challenged claims that he snatched a gun and fired at policemen. Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet. (With inputs from agencies)

Extra-judicial killing? Cop who shot Badlapur accused linked to ‘encounter specialist’ Pradeep Sharma

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra, died in retaliatory firing by police after he snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire on Monday, an official said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">The incident occurred at 6:15 PM when Shinde, 24, was being taken to Badlapur in Thane district from Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai in a police vehicle.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:99,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1786}">When the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass, Shinde allegedly snatched the pistol of one of the officers and fired two to three rounds, injuring an Assistant Police Inspector (API). In response, another police officer opened fire on Shinde, injuring him critically.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:166,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1853}">Shinde was rushed to a hospital in Kalwa where he succumbed to the&nbsp;injuries, the official said, adding that API Nilesh More, injured in the firing by Shinde, is undergoing treatment at the hospital.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:216,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1903}">According to a police officer, four policemen and Shinde were travelling in the vehicle.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:248,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">The shootout occurred over a month after massive protests erupted on streets and at Badlapur railway station over the alleged sexual abuse of two girls by Shinde, who worked as a sweeper in the school.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:298,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1985}">As the news of Shinde's death spread, some people burst crackers in Badlapur town on Monday night.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2017}">Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said police opened fire in self-defence, leading to Akshay Shinde's death.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:380,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2067}">"Akshay Shinde's former wife has accused him of sexual assault and lodged a complaint against him. Police were taking Shinde (to Badlapur) to investigate this complaint. He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire at officials. He also fired in the air. Police shot at him in retaliation," Fadnavis said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:447,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2134}">Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2183}">On September 3, the Bombay High Court told the police to build a "watertight" case and not file a charge sheet hurriedly under public pressure.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:546,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2233}">CM Shinde said Akshay's ex-wife had accused him of sexual violence, and the police were taking him for a probe regarding these allegations.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:596,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2283}">"He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire. Police fired back in self-defence," he told reporters.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:596,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2283}">However, the opposition leaders asked if Akshay Shinde was killed to destroy evidence in a case that had triggered national outrage.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:663,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2350}">Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan claimed the “encounter” was staged to save “some other” people.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2382}">Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, said, “This is shocking. There should be a judicial probe into this incident.” State Congress president Nana Patole wondered if this “encounter” was done to save trustees of the school who have not been arrested so far.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:762,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2449}">Akshay Shinde's uncle told a Marathi TV channel that he met his nephew at Taloja jail on Monday and was told that police were beating him up regularly.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:812,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2499}">"Is it an attempt to destroy evidence? Were Akshay Shinde's hands not tied by the police during the transit? How could he reach for the gun, and how come the police were so careless? We demand a judicial probe in this matter," Wadettiwar said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:879,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2566}">There is no action against the "BJP-linked" school management, but an arrested accused is shot dead in suspicious circumstances, he said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:928,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2615}">Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare equated the incident with the gunning down of four rape accused in Telangana in 2019.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:978,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2665}">"There too, the police claimed it was done in self-defence. However, due to the deaths, the truth never came out. The same will be the case with the Badlapur sexual assault. Was Akshay Shinde killed as he was hiding something more sinister? Why is the school management still on the run?" she asked.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1045,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2732}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1045,&quot;w&quot;:512,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2732}">Watch |&nbsp;Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault</strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1077,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:354,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2764}"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" bis_chainid="1" bis_depth="1" bis_id="fr_6u5lsvhoysfp4tqe5vuz4j" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1077,&quot;w&quot;:560,&quot;h&quot;:350,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2914}" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surge-in-pocso-cases-in-mumbai-after-badlapur-sexual-assault-753458/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1446,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3133}">How come Akshay Shinde managed to snatch a gun despite being handcuffed and how did he know to operate the firearm, Andhare further questioned.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3215}">Hitting back, CM Shinde said, "Earlier, the opposition parties demanded that Akshay Shinde be hanged. Now, they are taking his side and questioning the integrity of Maharashtra Police. Such act of the opposition leaders is condemnable and unfortunate."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3215}">When asked about the opposition's allegation that the accused was killed to gain political sympathy, the CM said these parties are making such insensitive allegations as they are rattled by the success of the state government's Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1630,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3317}">Fadnavis said, "The Opposition raises questions on every issue. They had wanted him (Shinde) to be hanged. It is wrong to say such things when the police tried to save lives".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1680,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3367}">NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated Shinde should have been hanged as per the legal provisions, but the actions of the Home Department, while transferring him (from Taloja Jail) are questionable. He demanded an in-depth inquiry into the incident.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1747,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3434}">Noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam said Shinde might have tried to end his life as two chargesheets filed against him showed sufficient evidence against him in the sexual abuse case.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1796,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3483}">A police officer said Shinde's postmortem will reveal if he had any previous injuries. Shinde's parents had met him in Taloja Jail at 3:30 PM. They claimed to have received information about his death through TV channels and not from police.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1863,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3550}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1863,&quot;w&quot;:721,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3550}">Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra, died in retaliatory firing by police after he snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire on Monday, an official said.

Akshay Shinde, accused of sexually assaulting two girls at a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra, died in retaliatory firing by police after he snatched a cop's pistol and opened fire on Monday, an official said. The incident occurred at 6:15 PM when Shinde, 24, was being taken to Badlapur in Thane district from Taloja Jail in Navi Mumbai in a police vehicle. When the vehicle reached Mumbra bypass, Shinde allegedly snatched the pistol of one of the officers and fired two to three rounds, injuring an Assistant Police Inspector (API). In response, another police officer opened fire on Shinde, injuring him critically. Shinde was rushed to a hospital in Kalwa where he succumbed to the injuries, the official said, adding that API Nilesh More, injured in the firing by Shinde, is undergoing treatment at the hospital. According to a police officer, four policemen and Shinde were travelling in the vehicle. The shootout occurred over a month after massive protests erupted on streets and at Badlapur railway station over the alleged sexual abuse of two girls by Shinde, who worked as a sweeper in the school. As the news of Shinde's death spread, some people burst crackers in Badlapur town on Monday night. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and State Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis said police opened fire in self-defence, leading to Akshay Shinde's death. "Akshay Shinde's former wife has accused him of sexual assault and lodged a complaint against him. Police were taking Shinde (to Badlapur) to investigate this complaint. He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire at officials. He also fired in the air. Police shot at him in retaliation," Fadnavis said. Shinde, a contractual sweeper at the school in Badlapur, was arrested on August 17, five days after he allegedly sexually abused the two girls in the school toilet. On September 3, the Bombay High Court told the police to build a "watertight" case and not file a charge sheet hurriedly under public pressure. CM Shinde said Akshay's ex-wife had accused him of sexual violence, and the police were taking him for a probe regarding these allegations. "He snatched the gun of a policeman and opened fire. Police fired back in self-defence," he told reporters. However, the opposition leaders asked if Akshay Shinde was killed to destroy evidence in a case that had triggered national outrage. Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan claimed the “encounter” was staged to save “some other” people. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, said, “This is shocking. There should be a judicial probe into this incident.” State Congress president Nana Patole wondered if this “encounter” was done to save trustees of the school who have not been arrested so far. Akshay Shinde's uncle told a Marathi TV channel that he met his nephew at Taloja jail on Monday and was told that police were beating him up regularly. "Is it an attempt to destroy evidence? Were Akshay Shinde's hands not tied by the police during the transit? How could he reach for the gun, and how come the police were so careless? We demand a judicial probe in this matter," Wadettiwar said. There is no action against the "BJP-linked" school management, but an arrested accused is shot dead in suspicious circumstances, he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare equated the incident with the gunning down of four rape accused in Telangana in 2019. "There too, the police claimed it was done in self-defence. However, due to the deaths, the truth never came out. The same will be the case with the Badlapur sexual assault. Was Akshay Shinde killed as he was hiding something more sinister? Why is the school management still on the run?" she asked. Watch | Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault How come Akshay Shinde managed to snatch a gun despite being handcuffed and how did he know to operate the firearm, Andhare further questioned. Hitting back, CM Shinde said, "Earlier, the opposition parties demanded that Akshay Shinde be hanged. Now, they are taking his side and questioning the integrity of Maharashtra Police. Such act of the opposition leaders is condemnable and unfortunate." When asked about the opposition's allegation that the accused was killed to gain political sympathy, the CM said these parties are making such insensitive allegations as they are rattled by the success of the state government's Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. Fadnavis said, "The Opposition raises questions on every issue. They had wanted him (Shinde) to be hanged. It is wrong to say such things when the police tried to save lives". NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar stated Shinde should have been hanged as per the legal provisions, but the actions of the Home Department, while transferring him (from Taloja Jail) are questionable. He demanded an in-depth inquiry into the incident. Noted criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam said Shinde might have tried to end his life as two chargesheets filed against him showed sufficient evidence against him in the sexual abuse case. A police officer said Shinde's postmortem will reveal if he had any previous injuries. Shinde's parents had met him in Taloja Jail at 3:30 PM. They claimed to have received information about his death through TV channels and not from police. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Badlapur horror: Opposition alleges accused Akshay Shinde was killed in ‘encounter’

<p>In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case&nbsp;prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer&nbsp;in the police van and opened fire on the cops,&nbsp;leading to retaliatory firing&nbsp;in which&nbsp;he&nbsp;got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he was admitted to the hospital, said Thane Police. Shinde was trying to escape the police custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police officers from Badlapur had gone to Taloja jail to take custody of Shinde as&nbsp;they had to question him in connection with a case filed by his first wife, who left him five days after their wedding.&nbsp;In her complaint, the woman&nbsp;has accused him of rape and assault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At around 6:30 pm, when the police team reached near the Mumbra bypass, Shinde snatched the revolver of a constable and fired several rounds, injuring him. Another officer shot Shinde in defence, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two young girls, both aged four, were sexually assaulted inside a school's washroom in Badlapur town&nbsp;of Maharashtra's Thane district. The accused, who worked as an attendant at the school, was arrested shortly afterward.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-case-school-admin-covered-up-sex-abuse-of-two-girls-brushed-off-parents-concerns-752016"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Badlapur case: School admin ‘covered up’ sex abuse of two girls, brushed off parents’ concerns</strong></a></p>

<p>According to a preliminary report, the kindergarteners were repeatedly abused over 15 days, resulting in severe injuries.</p>

<h2><strong>Who was Akshay Shinde?</strong></h2>

<p>The accused, Shinde was identified as a habitual offender in some other reports too. He was hired as a contractual worker without proper verification and had unrestricted access to various parts of the school, including the female toilets.</p>

<p>Last month, Shinde was sent to judicial custody in connection with the Badlapur sexual assault case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault</strong></p>

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<p>The incident led to major protests in the city, in which the protesters even resorted to violence, prompting police to use force.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Political reaction</strong></h2>

<p>Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alleged that these protests were politically motivated and most of the participants were outsiders.</p>

<p>A report into the incident also highlighted several loopholes by the school authorities, including delays in reporting the incident and failure to conduct background checks before hiring the accused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after the complaint was filed, the school's administration did not meet with the parents, and the hospital took 12 hours to provide medical care to the children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI.

In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI. Accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he was admitted to the hospital, said Thane Police. Shinde was trying to escape the police custody. Police officers from Badlapur had gone to Taloja jail to take custody of Shinde as they had to question him in connection with a case filed by his first wife, who left him five days after their wedding. In her complaint, the woman has accused him of rape and assault. At around 6:30 pm, when the police team reached near the Mumbra bypass, Shinde snatched the revolver of a constable and fired several rounds, injuring him. Another officer shot Shinde in defence, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Two young girls, both aged four, were sexually assaulted inside a school's washroom in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district. The accused, who worked as an attendant at the school, was arrested shortly afterward. Also read: Badlapur case: School admin ‘covered up’ sex abuse of two girls, brushed off parents’ concerns According to a preliminary report, the kindergarteners were repeatedly abused over 15 days, resulting in severe injuries. Who was Akshay Shinde? The accused, Shinde was identified as a habitual offender in some other reports too. He was hired as a contractual worker without proper verification and had unrestricted access to various parts of the school, including the female toilets. Last month, Shinde was sent to judicial custody in connection with the Badlapur sexual assault case. Watch | Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault × The incident led to major protests in the city, in which the protesters even resorted to violence, prompting police to use force. Political reaction Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde alleged that these protests were politically motivated and most of the participants were outsiders. A report into the incident also highlighted several loopholes by the school authorities, including delays in reporting the incident and failure to conduct background checks before hiring the accused. Even after the complaint was filed, the school's administration did not meet with the parents, and the hospital took 12 hours to provide medical care to the children. (With inputs from agencies)

Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops

Sanket Bawankule, son of the Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reportedly fled the spot after an Audi owned by him hit several vehicles in Nagpur on 9 Sept.

Maharashtra: BJP state Chief's son's Audi crashes into multiple vehicles

Maharashtra BJP Chief's son's Audi crashes into multiple vehicles

<p>Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule reportedly fled the spot after an Audi car owned by him hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday (Sep 9).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place in the Ramdaspeth area around 1 AM local time. According to police, the Audi first collided with&nbsp;complainant Jitendra Sonkamble's car before ramming into a moped, injuring the two youths who were riding it.</p>

<p>After the incident, the driver and one more occupant were detained while the remaining three including Sanket Bawankule, fled the scene. The detained, identified as&nbsp;Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were taken to the&nbsp;Sitabuldi police station for further investigation. Their medical examinations were still underway.</p>

<p>"The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards the Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near the Mankapur bridge. Two occupants, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were stopped by those in the Polo car," the police official was quoted as saying by <em>PTI.&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. No action has been taken so far against Sanket Bawankule and the other two occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge.”</p>

<p>The BJP chief admitted that the Audi was registered under his son's name when quizzed about the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-crash-accused-claims-driver-was-behind-the-wheel-724795"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pune Porsche crash: Accused claims driver was behind the wheel</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Previous incident&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance when a high-profile politician or businessman's son has been involved in a hit-and-run case in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In May, realtor Vishal Agrawal's teenage son killed two IT professionals while driving a Porsche sportscar in an intoxicated state. The 17-year-old boy didn't have a valid license either when he was driving the car.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pune-teen-granted-bail-in-porsche-crash-case-734933"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Pune teen granted bail in Porsche crash case as court says remand order 'illegal'</strong></a></p>

<p>Police have since registered three separate FIRs in connection with the case – one regarding the accident, the second one against the bar for serving liquor to the minor, and the third one for the wrongful confinement of the accused's kin on the family driver to take the blame for the accident.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule reportedly fled the spot after an Audi car owned by him hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday (Sep 9).

Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule reportedly fled the spot after an Audi car owned by him hit several vehicles in the early hours of Monday (Sep 9). The incident took place in the Ramdaspeth area around 1 AM local time. According to police, the Audi first collided with complainant Jitendra Sonkamble's car before ramming into a moped, injuring the two youths who were riding it. After the incident, the driver and one more occupant were detained while the remaining three including Sanket Bawankule, fled the scene. The detained, identified as Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were taken to the Sitabuldi police station for further investigation. Their medical examinations were still underway. "The Audi car struck some more vehicles moving towards the Mankapur area. At T-Point there, the vehicle hit a Polo car. Its occupants chased the Audi and stopped it near the Mankapur bridge. Two occupants, identified as driver Arjun Hawre and Ronit Chittamwar, were stopped by those in the Polo car," the police official was quoted as saying by PTI. “A case of rash driving and other offences was registered on the complaint of Sonkamble. No action has been taken so far against Sanket Bawankule and the other two occupants who reportedly escaped from the scene at Mankapur bridge.” The BJP chief admitted that the Audi was registered under his son's name when quizzed about the incident. "Police should conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the accident without any bias. Those found guilty should be charged and appropriate action should be taken against them. I have not spoken to any police official. The law must be equal for all,” he said. Watch | Pune Porsche crash: Accused claims driver was behind the wheel × Previous incident This is not the first instance when a high-profile politician or businessman's son has been involved in a hit-and-run case in the state. In May, realtor Vishal Agrawal's teenage son killed two IT professionals while driving a Porsche sportscar in an intoxicated state. The 17-year-old boy didn't have a valid license either when he was driving the car. Also read | India: Pune teen granted bail in Porsche crash case as court says remand order 'illegal' Police have since registered three separate FIRs in connection with the case – one regarding the accident, the second one against the bar for serving liquor to the minor, and the third one for the wrongful confinement of the accused's kin on the family driver to take the blame for the accident. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra BJP president's son flees after his Audi hits several vehicles

In a shocking incident, a luxury Audi owned by Sanket Bawankule, son of Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, was involved in multiple collisions in Nagpur’s Ramdaspeth area early Monday morning. The crash led to the arrest of two occupants, including the driver.

Maharashtra: BJP chief’s son’s Audi hits several vehicles

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