A special court in Pune has awarded the death penalty to a 65-year-old man convicted of abducting, sexually assaulting, and murdering a three-year-old girl. The court described the crime as one of the “rarest of the rare” cases, stating that the severity of the offence warranted the highest punishment under the law.
The incident took place on May 1 in Maharashtra’s Pune district, where the young child was reported missing before her body was later recovered. The case sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a swift investigation by law enforcement authorities.
During the trial, the prosecution presented forensic evidence, DNA analysis, CCTV footage, medical reports, and witness testimonies to establish the accused’s involvement. The court found the evidence sufficient to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
While delivering the judgment, the court observed that the victim’s age, the nature of the crime, and the circumstances surrounding the incident made it an exceptional case deserving capital punishment. The accused was convicted under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The prosecution had argued that the offence demonstrated extreme brutality and had sought the death penalty. The defence, however, denied the allegations, but the court rejected its arguments after examining the available evidence.
As per Indian law, the death sentence will require confirmation from the Bombay High Court before it can be carried out.
The verdict has renewed discussions on child safety, the need for speedy trials in crimes against children, and the effective implementation of laws aimed at protecting minors. Many have welcomed the judgment while emphasizing the importance of preventing such crimes through stronger awareness, law enforcement, and community vigilance.
