Pune Court Sentences 65-Year-Old to Death in 3-Year-Old Girl’s Rape and Murder Case

A 65-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered a 3-year-old girl in Pune district of Maharashtra. After 60 days of this brutal incident, accused Bhimrao Kamble has been sentenced to death by the special fast-track court. The court said this case comes under the "rarest of the rare" category because it is an extremely brutal and inhumane act committed against a 3-year-old girl.

How did the incident happen?

This incident took place in Nasarapur village of Pune district on May 1. The 3-year-old girl was spending her summer vacation at her grandmother's house. Accused Bhimrao promised her that he would give her snacks and show her a newborn calf. After that, he took the girl to the shed near the cattle barn. He sexually assaulted the girl and murdered her by crushing her head with a stone.

Accused presented in court

On Monday, the accused was presented before the special fast-track court. After the hearing, the court sentenced the accused to death. The court said that the accused had not shown any guilt, and there appeared to be no possibility of his rehabilitation, so the death sentence was the best option.

Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe said,

"The victim was a 3-year-old innocent and helpless girl, and the inhuman behaviour towards her is just not acceptable."

The court further added that the punishment cannot be reduced just because he is 60 years old. The fact that he committed such a crime at this age shows his dangerous mentality.

Death Penalty

The accused was convicted under the POCSO Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The court held that the case fell under the "rarest of the rare" category, and therefore, the death penalty was appropriate.

During the trial, the prosecution recorded the statements of 55 witnesses, including forensic experts, investigating officers, the victim's family members, and child witnesses. The post-mortem report revealed 18 serious injuries on the girl's body. The court found the conviction to be based on all the scientific evidence, including CCTV footage, DNA reports, medical reports, potency tests, and mental health tests.