Describing the alleged rape and murder of a three-year-old girl near Nasrapur in Bhor district as deeply saddening and condemnable, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state government will move for a fast-track court trial and seek the death penalty for the accused.
The accused has already been arrested. We will request the high court to try this case in a fast-track court. Additionally, we will appoint a special public prosecutor and seek the death penalty for the accused, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar met the victim's family members and promised strict action in the case. She also spoke with the Chief Minister over telephone, urging that the case be handled on priority. Pawar assured the family that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure the perpetrator receives the harshest possible punishment and directed the authorities to implement stern measures to prevent such horrific crimes.
National Commission for Women intervenes
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. Condemning the crime as grossly inhuman, the commission stated that such acts constitute a severe violation of children's rights and raise pressing concerns regarding the safety of girls. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), urging immediate intervention, close monitoring of the investigation, and stringent steps to ensure the harshest punishment for the perpetrator.
The commission further emphasised the need for prompt assistance and compensation for the victim's family. It also called for the timely filing of a charge sheet under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to facilitate a speedy trial in a fast-track court. Ensuring the safety and justice for every girl child remains our top priority, the NCW said in a statement.
State child rights body takes action
The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has also taken serious note of the incident. Commission chairman Sanjay Puranik stated that they would formally recommend the state government appoint a special public prosecutor and ensure the trial is fast-tracked. He added that the state government would provide all necessary assistance to the grieving family.
Political storm erupts
However, the incident has triggered a political firestorm. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal demanded the resignation of Fadnavis from his role as state home minister, calling for the appointment of a full-time minister for the department. Law and order in the state is at stake, and women and children are no longer safe. This is a total failure of the home department; the police have lost control over criminal elements, Sapkal said.
Echoing the demand for systemic change, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar said crimes against women have seen a rise in the state. He urged the government to convene a special one-day session of the state assembly to pass the Shakti Act to ensure more stringent legal safeguards.
