Pune court hands death penalty to 65-year-old for brutal rape and murder of toddler
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A Pune District and Sessions Court has sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village.
Presiding Judge SR Salunkhe classified the crime as a "rarest of rare" offense, noting that the sheer brutality of the act deeply shocked the conscience of society.
The tragedy occurred on May 1 when Kamble lured the toddler away from her surroundings by offering her snacks and promising to show her a newborn calf. He then led the child to an isolated shed near a cattle barn, where he subjected her to severe sexual and physical abuse, leading to her death.
The crime was uncovered after the victim’s family launched a search when she went missing. Law enforcement successfully identified and apprehended Kamble after reviewing CCTV footage that captured him walking away with the child.
During sentencing, the court rejected defense pleas for life imprisonment. Citing Kamble’s history of sexual assault, the judge highlighted that the accused showed no remorse and acted with "total depravity" to satisfy his lust. The ruling emphasised that the inhumanity of the torture inflicted on such a helpless victim left no room for judicial leniency.
Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill attributed the rapid conviction and capital sentence to the tireless, round-the-clock efforts of the law enforcement and legal teams.
A Special Investigation Team secured critical evidence within 15 days, resulting in a 1,200-page chargesheet. Following daily in-camera hearings and the testimony of 55 witnesses, the court delivered a swift verdict.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis praised the ruling, stating that individuals capable of such heinous acts have no place in society, while commending the judiciary and police for concluding the trial in record time.