In a significant development in the Akshay Shinde custodial death case, the Bombay High Court has summoned Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam and a State CID officer to appear before it on April 25 at 2:30 PM.

The summons comes amid scathing criticism over the state’s failure to register an FIR against the five policemen allegedly involved in the death, despite clear directives from the court.

Akshay Shinde, a suspect in a Badlapur sexual assault case involving minor girls, died of gunshot wounds while being escorted by police from Taloja Prison on September 23. Police claim they had to open fire after Shinde allegedly snatched a policeman’s service weapon, resulting in injuries to both Shinde and the police officer. However, a detailed report by judicial magistrate Ashok Shendge, submitted on January 18, contradicted the police’s narrative stating the force used was unjustified and held five officers accountable.

The High Court Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale, earlier ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Jt CP Lakhmi Gautam and instructed the registration of an FIR within two days. The officers in the dock are senior Inspector Sanjay Shinde, API Nilesh More, head constables Abhijeet More and Harish Tawade, and police constable Satish Khatal.

Despite these directions, no FIR was filed, prompting the court to express strong displeasure. Advocate Amit Katarnavre sharply criticized the inaction, stating, “The delay in filing the FIR despite clear High Court orders is not just negligence—it’s contemptuous. The Maharashtra government’s inaction suggests it considers itself above the judiciary, as if it holds more authority than the High Court itself. This summons is a stern reminder that the rule of law must prevail over political or departmental shielding.”

The court emphasized that the reluctance to act on its orders could not be brushed aside, and insisted that even in the absence of a formal complaint by the family, legal action should have been taken. Though Shinde’s parents expressed a desire to withdraw their petition, the court appointed senior advocate Manjula Rao as amicus curiae to ensure impartiality and justice.

The SIT has been directed to act swiftly, with support and documentation from the CID. Meanwhile, a plea by state counsel, senior advocate Amit Desai, seeking a stay on the High Court’s order for appealing to the Supreme Court, was denied.

The government had earlier formed a committee to address lapses by the school and local police, which was later expanded by the High Court to include retired judges and child rights experts.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Additional Public Prosecutor Prajakta Shinde informed the court that the committee’s recommendations required further departmental processing. Unhappy with the delays, the court ordered the state to issue a consolidated government resolution immediately.