Maharashtra CM Fadnavis joins widespread demand for capital punishment of Pune rape accused

Mumbai: In a village in Pune district, a 65-year-old man raped a 4-year-old girl and subsequently murdered her. Outraged by the incident, locals took to the streets and staged massive protests. Surrounding the local police outpost, the protesters demanded strict action against the accused, including the death penalty.

What did Devendra Fadnavis demand?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has demanded capital punishment for the accused. The BJP leader asserted that the Maharashtra government will demand the strictest possible punishment for the 65-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting and murdering a minor girl in Pune, adding that the case will be referred to a fast-track court.

"The incident that occurred in Pune is highly condemnable and is tragic. A three or three-and-a-half-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and murdered by a 65-year-old man. The accused has been arrested. The people are angry following this incident. I assure you to take up the case in a fast-track court. I would like to request the High Court to give us a special public prosecutor, and we will demand capital punishment in the court," the Maharashtra Chief Minister told the media.

What did Supriya Sule say?

In response to the situation, Supriya Sule—MP from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction)—urged the public to maintain restraint. She gave assurances that the strictest possible action would be taken in this matter. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's former Home Minister, Anil Deshmukh, demanded the death penalty for the arrested accused.

Terming the incident as inhumane, Sule described it as an event that has stained the very fabric of humanity. The NCP MP also stated that she had spoken with the Superintendent of Police (Rural) for Pune, who assured her that strict action would be taken regarding the case.

Writing on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), she posted: "I have spoken with the Pune Rural Superintendent of Police regarding the inhumane incident in Nasrapur, which has brought shame upon humanity. He has assured me that the strictest possible action will be taken against the beast who perpetrated this heinous crime. I remain in constant contact with the government and the administration regarding this matter, and efforts to secure justice for the victim are ongoing."

She further added: "I make a humble appeal to all citizens: it is our collective desire that the perpetrator receives the harshest possible punishment and that the victim receives justice. The police administration has taken note of the strong stance we have all adopted regarding this case. I urge everyone to please exercise restraint in this matter. The strictest possible action will be taken against the guilty party."

What Did Anil Deshmukh Say?

Describing the incident as utterly shameful, Deshmukh stated on 'X' that such a disgraceful occurrence on the occasion of Maharashtra Day does not befit the state. He demanded that the case be tried in a fast-track court and that the accused be sentenced to death immediately.

The incident came to light after the young girl went missing and her relatives began searching for her. During the investigation, CCTV footage was recovered in which the accused was seen with the young girl. According to the police, the accused lured the girl with food and drink and took her to a hut. Subsequently, the girl was raped and later murdered.