Death penalty for rape-murder of three-year-old girl in Pune
A special court in Pune on Monday sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village. The verdict came within 60 days of the crime, which had sparked widespread outrage and protests across Maharashtra.
Additional Judge SR Salunkhe, terming the case 'rarest of the rare,' rejected the defence's plea for leniency based on the accused's age. The judge highlighted Kamble's history of violence and stated that his depravity shocked the conscience of the judiciary and society.
Details of the crime and trial
The crime took place on May 1, when Kamble lured the minor girl with the promise of snacks and showing her a newborn calf. He took her to a shed near a cattle barn, subjected her to sexual and unnatural assault, and subsequently murdered her by gagging her and inflicting chest injuries.
The court convicted Kamble on June 25, within 55 days of the incident, and awarded the death sentence on June 28 after examining 55 witnesses and completing all legal procedures. Three of the offences he was charged under carry the prescribed punishment of capital punishment.
Court's observations on depravity
Judge Salunkhe observed, '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.'
The court noted that Kamble's age was an aggravating factor rather than a mitigating one. '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 judge stated.
Prosecution's arguments and landmark ruling
Special public prosecutor Ajay Misar termed the ruling 'landmark,' stating that the prosecution successfully relied on 12 Supreme Court precedents to establish the 'rarest of the rare' criteria. 'The accused committed the offence in a cold-blooded and calculated manner. The prosecution argued that the accused does not deserve any mercy. This was an exceptionally heinous crime. The victim was sexually assaulted even after her death,' Misar said.
During the trial, the court recorded the statements of 10 witnesses, including children, in a single day. The prosecution proved all charges, including kidnapping, molestation, rape and murder, along with offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Victim's family and political reaction
The father of the three-year-old victim expressed satisfaction over the court's verdict and said the family now wants the execution of the order. 'We are satisfied with the decision given by the honourable court. We had already demanded strict action against the accused. The demand will be fulfilled once the order of the death penalty is executed,' he told reporters.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the verdict as a 'new benchmark' in speedy justice, saying the convict was handed triple death sentence within 60 days of the crime. Making a statement in the state assembly, he said, 'I believe the court has set a new example. If we want to create a deterrent against such brutal criminals, justice must be delivered in time.'
Fadnavis thanked the judiciary, particularly trial court judge Salunkhe, for conducting continuous hearings and even cancelling holidays to ensure the case was concluded expeditiously.
