A special court in Pune on Monday (June 29) sentenced a 65-year-old man to death for the abduction, brutal rape, and murder of a three-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Nasrapur village, bringing a swift conclusion to a case that had triggered widespread outrage and protests across the state.
The court had convicted the accused on June 25, less than two months after the horrific crime, which took place on May 1. The sentencing was delivered by a special court after considering the gravity of the offence and the prosecution's plea for the maximum punishment.
While pronouncing the sentence, the court observed that the crime fell within the "rarest of rare" category, warranting capital punishment. The judge noted the extreme brutality of the offence, the tender age of the victim, and the devastating impact on society while awarding the death sentence.
The case involved the abduction of the three-year-old girl from her village in Pune district's Nasrapur area. Investigators said the child was sexually assaulted and murdered before her body was recovered, sending shockwaves across Maharashtra.
Following the incident, police launched an intensive investigation that led to the arrest of the 65-year-old accused. The case was fast-tracked, with investigators filing the chargesheet promptly. The special court completed the trial within 60 days of the crime, leading to the conviction on June 25.
The prosecution relied on forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and other material evidence to establish the accused's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The gruesome crime had sparked widespread public anger, with protests erupting across several parts of Maharashtra. Citizens, social organisations, and political leaders demanded speedy justice and the strictest punishment for the accused.
The incident also reignited concerns over crimes against children and prompted renewed calls for stronger measures to ensure the safety of minors and expedite trials in cases involving sexual offences.
With the court awarding the death penalty, the victim's family expressed hope that justice had been served, though they said no punishment could compensate for the loss of the young child.
The death sentence is subject to confirmation by the Bombay High Court, as required under Indian law, before it can be carried out. The convicted man also has the right to challenge the verdict in higher courts.
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