CM Fadnavis Orders Fast-Track Trial, Seeks Death Penalty In Nasrapur Rape-Murder Case
Maharashtra CM seeks death penalty after Nasrapur child rape-murder triggers statewide outrage and protests.
The brutal rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Nasrapur village under Bhor taluka in Pune district on May 1 has triggered widespread outrage across Maharashtra, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis describing the crime as a “blot on humanity” and vowing to seek the death penalty for the accused. The victim, who was visiting Nasrapur for summer holidays, was allegedly lured by a 65-year-old local man to a cattle shed on the pretext of offering her food. After sexually assaulting the child, the accused allegedly killed her with a stone and concealed her body under a pile of dung. Police arrested the suspect soon after the crime was discovered through CCTV footage. Authorities said the man has a prior criminal history, including molestation cases from 1998 and 2015.
Chief Minister Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, has directed Pune Rural Police to build a watertight case and fast-track the trial in a dedicated court. He assured residents that all facts would be brought to light and emphasised the government’s commitment to securing capital punishment to deter such offences. Additional police patrolling has been ordered in the Bhor region to restore public confidence.
Senior officers, including the Superintendent of Police of Pune Rural, are personally supervising the investigation to eliminate any procedural gaps. The incident has also sparked protests, with hundreds of villagers blocking the Pune-Satara Highway on Friday night and observing a shutdown in Nasrapur and nearby areas on Saturday, demanding swift justice and the accused’s execution within a month.
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Opposition leaders have criticised the Mahayuti government over the state of law and order. NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule visited the area, termed the crime “inhuman,” and questioned recurring incidents in Pune district.
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar targeted the Home Ministry, asking how a repeat offender remained free, while other leaders including Neelam Gorhe and Jyoti Waghmare echoed calls for the strictest punishment. BJP legislator Chitra Wagh said the case has shaken society and justice must be delivered without delay.
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