Pune: The Maharashtra government has announced its intention to seek the death penalty and a fast-track court hearing following the brutal rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune. The incident, which occurred on Friday in the Bhor tehsil area, has sparked widespread outrage across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the government’s stance while speaking to the media in Mumbai on Saturday, stating that the administration is committed to ensuring the swiftest possible justice for the victim and her family. The young child had been visiting her grandmother’s home for the summer holidays when she was allegedly lured by the 65-year-old accused, Bhimrao Kamble, to a stable near his residence.
According to police reports, the accused led the child away around 2:00 PM under false pretences. When the girl failed to return home, her worried relatives began a frantic search of the neighbourhood. Her body was eventually discovered inside the stable, having been subjected to a violent assault and subsequently killed with a heavy stone. Local law enforcement utilized CCTV footage from the vicinity, which captured the accused leading the minor towards the crime scene, to quickly identify and apprehend Kamble. He is currently in police custody as the investigation continues to gather further evidence for the trial.
The tragedy has drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Former Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh was among the first to demand that the case be handled with the highest level of urgency and severity. Similarly, NCP (SP) Member of Parliament Supriya Sule described the event as a stain on humanity and called for the harshest possible punishment to be meted out to the perpetrator. Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also voiced the public’s anger, characterizing the crime as a cruel atrocity that raises serious questions about the safety of children in society. The state’s commitment to a fast-track trial aims to address these concerns and provide a deterrent against such heinous acts.
