Pune 4-year-old murder: Fast-track trial ordered, death penalty sought
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A four-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted and murdered in Nasrapur village, Bhor tehsil, Pune district, on 1 May 2025, triggering widespread outrage across Maharashtra. The accused, a 65-year-old man, has been arrested by the Pune Rural Police and remanded to police custody until 7 May. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that the case be tried in a fast-track court and announced the government will seek the death penalty for the accused.
What Happened in Nasrapur
The victim, who had travelled to Nasrapur to visit her grandmother during the summer holidays, went missing at approximately 3:30 pm on 1 May. According to police sources, the accused allegedly lured the child away from her home by promising to show her a calf, then took her to a nearby cowshed where he allegedly assaulted her. To silence the victim, he allegedly killed her and concealed her body under a pile of dung, police sources said.
When the family raised an alarm over her disappearance, they reviewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area, which reportedly showed the accused leading the child toward the cowshed. Her body was subsequently recovered from the site. The nature of the crime triggered immediate tension in the village, with residents surrounding police personnel and demanding swift action.
Deputy CM Visits Family, Calls CM on the Spot
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar visited the victim's family in Pune on 2 May to offer condolences and assure them of justice. During the visit, grieving family members and local residents surrounded her, demanding the perpetrator receive the strictest possible punishment without delay.
In response to the public's outcry, Sunetra Pawar placed a phone call to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis — who also holds the Home portfolio — in the presence of the assembled crowd. The Chief Minister assured the family that the case would be fast-tracked and directed the Pune Rural Superintendent of Police to take the most stringent action against the accused.
Government Response and Fast-Track Court Order
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the crime in the strongest terms, describing it as a