On June 25, 2026, a Pune court convicted a 65-year-old man for the rape and murder of a minor girl, sentencing him to death. The incident occurred on May 1, 2026, in the city's outskirts. The convict, identified as Shankar Gopinath Patil, was found guilty under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Details of the Case
The victim, a 7-year-old girl, was lured by Patil with sweets and taken to an isolated area where he raped and murdered her. The body was discovered the next day, leading to a swift investigation. Police arrested Patil within 48 hours based on eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence.
According to public prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar, the prosecution presented 32 witnesses and strong circumstantial evidence, including DNA matching and CCTV footage. The court termed the crime as "rarest of rare" and imposed the death penalty.
Court's Observations
Additional Sessions Judge S. R. Navandar remarked that the brutality of the crime shocked the judicial conscience. "The accused showed no remorse and committed a heinous act against an innocent child. This case falls under the rarest of rare category, warranting the maximum punishment," the judge stated.
The defense argued for leniency citing Patil's age, but the court rejected the plea, emphasizing the need for deterrence.
Community and Legal Impact
Local residents expressed relief at the verdict, with many demanding stricter laws for crimes against children. Child rights activists hailed the decision as a step towards justice. The case also highlighted the efficiency of the Pune police in solving the crime quickly.
This is one of the few death sentences awarded in Maharashtra for crimes against minors in recent years. The convict has the right to appeal the verdict in the Bombay High Court.
