Pune Court Sentences Sixty-Five-Year-Old Man To Death For Brutal Rape And Murder Of Three-Year-Old Girl

The crime was discovered after the child went missing and her family initiated a search, eventually finding her body. CCTV footage from the locality played a crucial role in the investigation, as it showed Kamble leading the child away, which allowed the police to identify and arrest the accused. During the legal proceedings, the prosecution cited twelve key Supreme Court rulings regarding capital punishment to argue that the offense met the rarest of rare criteria. Judge Salunkhe agreed with this assessment, noting that the brutality of the act left no room for leniency. The court emphasized that the nature of the injuries sustained by the victim established the inhumanity of the crime. Furthermore, the court highlighted Kamble’s past involvement in a sexual assault case, noting that he was fully aware of the legal consequences yet showed no remorse throughout the trial.

In his observations, Judge Salunkhe stated that the crime was committed to satisfy lust and involved the brutal torture of an innocent and helpless child. The judge remarked that the offense was committed outrageously, involving inhuman treatment and total depravity. He described the act as a cold-blooded murder without provocation that shocked the judicial and social conscience. The judge further noted that the accused’s thirst for lust had reached a dangerous stage despite his age, and the injuries on the three-year-old victim’s body reflected inhuman behavior. The court also observed that the accused acted fearlessly and violently without concern for consequences, fueled by a prior experience that led him to believe he could escape the weight of the law.

Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill attributed the swift death sentence to the coordinated efforts of the police and the prosecution. He noted that evidence was gathered within weeks and a comprehensive 1,200-page chargesheet was filed, supported by the testimony of all 55 witnesses. Although the defense lawyer requested a life sentence, the court found no reason for mercy. A Special Investigation Team was constituted to handle the case, which had become a significant law and order issue. The investigation involved day-and-night work and daily in-camera hearings, with the primary evidence collected in approximately 15 days. Superintendent Gill thanked the witnesses for coming forward and emphasized that the sensitive nature of the investigation led to the capital punishment verdict.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the court's decision, asserting that criminals of this nature have no place in society. He praised the judiciary for delivering justice and stated that the verdict reflects a strong commitment to law and order. The Chief Minister spoke directly with Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill and Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar to congratulate them on their handling of the case. He specifically appreciated the Pune Rural Police for conducting a swift investigation and the agencies for completing both the probe and the trial in record time. This verdict stands as a stern warning against such depraved acts of violence against the most vulnerable members of the community.