A special fast-track court in Pune has convicted 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble, a casual worker, for the alleged kidnapping, rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village of Maharashtra’s Bhor taluka, less than two months after the crime shocked the state.
Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe held Kamble guilty under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, observing that the prosecution had established an unbroken chain of circumstantial evidence through CCTV footage, the “last seen together” theory and other supporting material.
The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar, has sought the death penalty, arguing that the case falls within the Supreme Court’s “rarest of rare” doctrine, while the defence has presented mitigating circumstances before sentencing.
The court is expected to decide whether Kamble should receive capital punishment or life imprisonment after considering both sides. The conviction follows an expedited investigation and trial ordered after widespread public outrage and assurances from the Maharashtra government that the case would be fast-tracked.
Swift Trial, Strong Evidence
The case stems from the horrific events of May 1, when the three-year-old victim, who had travelled from Pune city to spend her summer holidays at her grandmother’s home in Nasrapur, went missing while playing outside. A
ccording to the prosecution, Kamble allegedly lured the child to a nearby cowshed by promising to show her a newborn calf, before sexually assaulting and murdering her. Her body was later discovered by family members and villagers who had launched a desperate search after she failed to return home.
Pune Rural Police immediately began an investigation, recovering CCTV footage that allegedly showed Kamble leading the child towards the cowshed shortly before her disappearance. Investigators also relied on forensic evidence, witness testimonies and the complete chain of circumstantial evidence to build the case.
While pronouncing the verdict, Judge Salunkhe observed that the prosecution had successfully proved the “last seen” theory beyond reasonable doubt and remarked that the brutality of the offence warranted no leniency.
The judge also reportedly noted that the accused displayed no remorse during the proceedings and referred to his previous history of sexual offences while assessing the gravity of the crime.
Speaking outside the courtroom, Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar said, “All the charges applied by the prosecution stand entirely proved,” adding that the State had relied on 12 landmark Supreme Court judgments to argue that the case qualifies as one of the “rarest of rare” deserving capital punishment.
Kamble was convicted under provisions of the BNS relating to kidnapping, rape and murder, as well as Sections 4, 6, 8 and 12 of the POCSO Act covering penetrative sexual assault, aggravated penetrative sexual assault, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Public Outrage And Fast-Track Proceedings
The crime sparked widespread anger across Maharashtra, with residents of the area staging spontaneous protests and blocking the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway for several hours on the night of the incident, demanding swift justice for the child.
Responding to public outrage, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the case would be tried in a fast-track court and appointed Ajay Misar as the Special Public Prosecutor. Pune Rural Police filed the chargesheet within 15 days of the incident, while the court framed charges on May 28.
The in-camera trial then proceeded on a day-to-day basis, with the prosecution submitting a list of 82 witnesses before concluding final arguments on June 21. The conviction was delivered within 55 days of the crime, making it one of Maharashtra’s fastest POCSO trials in recent years.
As no private lawyer was willing to represent the accused because of the public outrage surrounding the case, the court appointed a Legal Aid Defence Counsel to ensure that constitutional guarantees of a fair trial were upheld.
Security was also tightened during the pronouncement of the verdict, with Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill and other senior officials present at the court complex amid concerns over public sentiment. The court will now determine whether the circumstances justify awarding the death penalty or life imprisonment after hearing arguments on aggravating and mitigating factors.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Every child deserves to grow up in safety and dignity. While swift investigations and fair trials are essential to ensuring accountability, lasting change depends on stronger child protection systems, community vigilance, timely interventions and greater awareness to prevent such crimes. Justice must not only punish offenders but also inspire collective action to build a society where every child is protected.
