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65-year-old man sentenced to death for rape and murder of minor girl (Img-Pinterast)
Pune: A special fast-track court in Pune has sentenced Bhimrao Kamble to death for the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Nasrapur, Maharashtra. The court delivered its verdict 55 days after the trial began under the POCSO Act.
In this case involving the brutal murder of the four-year-old girl in Bhor tehsil, 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble had already been convicted, and the court had to decide between life imprisonment and the death penalty.
This case is frequently cited as one of the fastest-concluded trials in Maharashtra's recent legal history. This was due to swift police action, a detailed 1,200-page charge sheet, and daily in-camera hearings presided over by Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe.
Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar pressed for the death penalty, arguing that the brutality of the crime met the Supreme Court's "rarest of rare" doctrine, while the defense cited the accused's age and his denial of the crime as mitigating factors.
The verdict followed the recording of testimonies from numerous witnesses and an extensive examination of forensic and circumstantial evidence, culminating in the sentencing on June 25.
May 1, 2026 - Crime reported and accused arrested
The four-year-old girl, who was playing outside her grandmother's house in Nasrapur village, was lured away. She was taken to a cowshed, sexually assaulted, and murdered. Villagers identified the accused based on CCTV footage and handed him over to the police. May 2 - 3, 2026 - Public Outrage and Formation of SIT
Massive protests followed the incident, including the blocking of the highway near Nawale Bridge. The victim's last rites were performed under police protection. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to expedite the investigation.
May 4–10, 2026 – Political Response and Family's Appeal
Political leaders met the victim's family, while the father publicly appealed for privacy until justice was served. The state government assured a fast-track investigation and trial.
May 16, 2026 – Chargesheet Filed
The police filed a 1,200-page chargesheet within 15 days, incorporating forensic and DNA evidence.
May 28, 2026 – Charges Framed; Fast-Track Trial Begins
The court framed charges under the provisions of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and ordered daily in-camera hearings.
June 21, 2026 – Final Arguments Concluded
After recording the statements of 55 witnesses, both sides concluded their final arguments. The prosecution sought the death penalty.
June 25, 2026 – Conviction
The court found Bhimrao Kamble guilty of kidnapping, rape, and murder, citing an unbroken chain of evidence.
June 29, 2026 – Death Sentence
The court sentenced Kamble to death following his conviction.
