Navi Mumbai: MLA Manda Mhatre has formally requested Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to expedite the appointment of a special public prosecutor in the Akshata Mhatre case and ensure the trial proceeds in a fast-track court. The request was made through a written letter, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the situation.

On July 27, 2024, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had issued an order to appoint Adv. Ujwal Nikam as the special public prosecutor for the case and to conduct the trial in a fast-track court. This order was directed to the Thane and Navi Mumbai Commissioner and the Principal Secretary of the Home Department. However, confusion arose as there was no clear communication regarding the official appointment of the special public prosecutor or the trial's status in the fast-track court, causing concern among Akshata Mhatre's family and community.

In response to this uncertainty, MLA Manda Mhatre met with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in Mumbai. She handed over a letter to Home Minister Fadnavis, emphasizing the need for an official written order from the Home Department to appoint the special public prosecutor and to ensure the trial is conducted in a fast-track court.

Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis promptly acknowledged the demand and forwarded the letter to the relevant department for immediate action. He also issued instructions to ensure that there is no error in the police investigation.