A Pune court sentenced a 65-year-old man to death for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village, calling it a crime that “shocks even the conscience of society.” The court held the case fell within the “rarest of rare” category after convicting him of kidnapping, molestation, rape, and murder.
Pune Court Sentences 65-Year-Old Man to Death for Rape and Murder of Three-Year-Old Girl, Says Crime ‘Shocks Even the Conscience of Society’
The verdict was delivered by Pune District and Sessions Court Judge SR Salunkhe, days after Kamble was convicted on charges of kidnapping, molestation, rape, and murder.
The incident occurred on May 1 in Nasrapur village in Pune district.
As per the investigation, Kamble lured the child by offering snacks and by showing her a new born calf. He then took the girl to a shed near a cattle barn, where he sexually assaulted her and later killed her by gagging her and inflicting chest injuries. The child reportedly died during the assault.
The case came to light after the girl went missing and her family began a search. Her body was later recovered during the search operation. CCTV footage showed Kamble taking the child with him, which helped police identify and arrest him.
During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution cited 12 key Supreme Court judgments related to capital punishment, arguing that the case fits the “rarest of rare” category as laid down by the apex court.
Agreeing with the prosecution, the judge said the level of brutality left no scope for leniency. He noted that the injuries suffered by the child clearly proved the severity and inhuman nature of the act.
The court also pointed to Kamble’s prior involvement in a sexual assault case and said the accused was aware of legal consequences but showed no remorse during the trial.
Judge Salunkhe, while convicting Kamble in the child rape-murder case, observed that the crime was committed to satisfy lust and involved brutal torture of an innocent, helpless child.
According to sources, the judge said,
“The offence was committed outrageously and involved inhuman treatment and torture of the victim. The victim was an innocent, helpless child. The murder was committed to satisfy lust, which evidences total depravity. It was a cold-blooded murder without provocation. The crime was committed so brutally that it shocks not only the judicial conscience but even the conscience of society,”
He added,
“The thirst for lust of the accused is not extinguished even at such an age. Rather, it has reached a very dangerous stage. The injuries noted on the body of the victim reflect the inhuman behaviour of the accused with a child of just three years.”
The court further said,
“Whatever the accused wanted to do with the child, he did ‘fearlessly, most violently and without bothering about consequences, because he had prior experience that even if prosecuted, nothing would happen in court.’”
Pune Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill credited the rapid investigation and coordinated efforts of the police and prosecution, leading to the death sentence. He said evidence was collected within weeks, a detailed 1,200-page chargesheet was filed, and all 55 witnesses were examined.
Gill said,
“The accused’s lawyer had requested that a sentence of life imprisonment be awarded. However, the court observed that there was no need to show any mercy or leniency in this case.”
He added,
“Work was carried out day and night. In-camera hearings were held every day. Our role was up to completing the investigation. It had become a question of law and order. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted. Evidence was collected over approximately 15 days.”
Gill further stated,
“A precise charge sheet of 1,200 pages was filed. All 55 witnesses came forward, and I thank them as well. The investigation was carried out with sensitivity, which resulted in the accused being sentenced to death.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed the court’s decision, saying such criminals have no place in society. He praised the judiciary for delivering justice and called the verdict a sign of the government’s strong commitment to law and order.
Fadnavis also spoke with Pune SP Sandeep Singh Gill and Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar, congratulating them for how the case was handled. He praised Pune Rural Police for conducting a swift investigation that culminated in the final verdict, and he appreciated the investigating agencies for completing the probe and trial in record time.
Case Title: The State of Maharashtra v. Bhimrao Prabhakar Kamble