Police have arrested a 25-year-old neighbour in connection with the case (Img: X)
New Delhi: A shocking crime in Maharashtra’s Pune district has triggered outrage after a nine-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered. Police have arrested a 25-year-old neighbour in connection with the case, while angry villagers have demanded the strictest punishment for the accused.
The victim, a Class 4 student, belonged to a farm labourer’s family. According to police, she had not attended school on Tuesday as she was feeling unwell and was at home.
The incident came to light after the girl’s family noticed that she was missing from the house. Relatives and villagers launched a search operation, but when they failed to locate her, a missing complaint was registered with the police. During the search, the accused allegedly joined police and villagers in looking for the girl, according to investigators.
Police then examined CCTV footage from the area, which showed a suspicious person moving on a bicycle. During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted that he was seen in the footage and later confessed to the crime.
Based on information provided by the accused, police recovered the girl’s body from an area near a stream beneath a tree. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing and further details will emerge after medical and forensic reports.
The incident has led to massive anger in Pimpalwandi and surrounding areas. Villagers and the victim’s family blocked the Pune-Nashik Highway, demanding a fast-track trial and capital punishment for the accused.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar spoke with Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill and sought details of the investigation. She directed authorities to ensure a transparent probe and strict action against the accused. She also said she would request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to move the case to a fast-track court for speedy justice.
The victim’s relatives demanded that the accused be given the death penalty without delay. The family said justice must be delivered quickly and urged authorities not to spare the accused under any circumstances. Police officials are continuing their investigation, with the post-mortem report and forensic findings expected to play a key role in the case.
