The Pune city police will initiate preventive action against 37 repeat sexual offenders starting Tuesday. These individuals were identified after a two-day review of sexual assault cases involving minor girls and women conducted on Sunday and Monday.
Background of the Action
Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Deshmukh stated, "We will take strong action against the 37 repeat offenders in sexual assault cases. These men have committed two or more offences in the past 10 years, as per crime records. The action is aimed at preventing crimes against girls and women by these offenders."
The decision follows the arrest of a 65-year-old daily wage worker, Bhimrao Kamble, on Saturday for allegedly sexually assaulting and murdering a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur. During the investigation, Pune Rural police revealed that Kamble had been arrested in two previous sexual assault cases but was acquitted in both.
Other Offenders Under Scrutiny
The Pune city police also identified 193 other men involved in sexual assault cases against minor girls who have been booked or arrested for other crimes, such as bodily offences and thefts. Deshmukh explained, "The list of these men, along with their addresses, has been provided to the local police stations for further legal action. The police stations can either arrest these men under provisions of preventive detention or take undertakings in the form of bonds of good behaviour from them."
Under preventive detention, a person can be held in prison for a period ranging from 15 days to one month, the police said.
This proactive measure aims to enhance the safety of women and children in Pune by targeting habitual offenders before they can commit further crimes.
