Hundreds of protesters blocked the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway in Pune on Saturday following the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl, bringing traffic on the busy route to a standstill for nearly four hours. According to news agency PTI, the child’s family members and other demonstrators placed her body on the road near the Navale Bridge area, demanding strict punishment for the 65-year-old accused. Several videos from the spot showed long queues of vehicles stranded on the highway as the protest escalated. The girl’s last rites were later performed at the Vaikunt crematorium in Pune shortly after midnight amid heavy police deployment.
Details of the Crime
According to police, the accused—identified as a labourer with a prior criminal record—allegedly lured the child on Friday in Bhor tehsil of Pune district by promising her food. He then took her to a cattle enclosure, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her and later killed her by striking her with a stone. Police said he was arrested after CCTV footage from a nearby private residence showed him with the child. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused has been remanded in police custody till May 7.
Government Response
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar met the victim’s family on Saturday and assured them of strict action and a fast-track trial. Describing the incident as “shocking” and a “blot on humanity”, she said the government stood firmly with the victim’s family. She also said she had spoken to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting a fast-track court trial so that the accused receives the harshest punishment. Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde directed Pune rural police to collect strong evidence and build a watertight case. “Efforts should be made to ensure the accused gets the death penalty,” he said in a statement.
Protest and Aftermath
The protest on Saturday brought the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway to a halt for nearly four hours. Demonstrators, including the victim’s family, placed the girl’s body on the road, demanding justice. Traffic was severely affected, with long queues of vehicles stranded. Police presence was heavy during the last rites, which took place after midnight. The incident has sparked outrage across the state, with leaders from various parties condemning the crime and calling for swift justice.
