NEW DELHI: A four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered by a 65-year-old man in a village under Bhor tehsil of Pune district on Friday (May 1), police said, triggering widespread anger and protests in the area.
The incident has shaken the region, with residents taking to the streets through the night and political leaders stepping in, even as the police assured swift action and a fast-tracked probe.
According to the police, the accused lured the child with food to a nearby shed, where he allegedly assaulted her and later killed her.
He was later arrested and booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
How the crime came to light
The incident came to light after the child went missing, following which her family began searching for her. CCTV footage later showed the accused accompanying the girl, which helped investigators identify and trace him, officials said.
As news of the crime spread, hundreds of villagers gathered near a police chowki and along a highway late Friday night, demanding strict punishment. The protests continued into Saturday, with locals holding a march and calling for justice.
Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandipsingh Gill visited the spot and assured residents that the investigation would be expedited and the accused would face stringent legal action.
‘Inhuman incident’: Supriya Sule appeals for calm
Reacting to the case, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule condemned the crime, calling it an “inhuman” act that has “tarnished humanity.”
“I have spoken with the Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, regarding the inhuman incident in Nasrapur that has tarnished humanity. They have assured the strictest possible action against the beast who committed this heinous crime. I remain in constant touch with the government and administration on this matter, and efforts are underway to ensure justice for the victim,” she said in a post on X.
While demanding the harshest punishment for the accused, Sule also appealed to citizens to stay calm.
“My humble request to fellow citizens is that it is our collective stance that the criminal should face the harshest punishment and the victim should get justice. The police administration has taken note of the aggressive stance adopted by all of us on this issue. Please, let us all maintain restraint in this matter. Strictest possible action will be taken against the guilty party in this case,” she added.
Police said further investigation is underway. - The Statesman/ANN
