Maharashtra MLC Demands Maximum Punishment for Accused in Bhandara Minor Rape Case
In a strong response to a heinous crime, Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Neelam Gorhe, has called for the strictest possible punishment for the accused involved in the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Bhandara district. The Shiv Sena leader described the incident as a stain on humanity and emphasized the urgent need for rapid rehabilitation for the victim.
Details of the Incident and Police Action
The incident occurred on March 18 in Lakhandur taluka of Bhandara district. According to police reports, 18-year-old Ishwar Kudegave lured three young girls, including the victim, into his car under the pretext of going for a drive. He took them to a remote forest area, where he allegedly raped the 11-year-old while the other two minors were present. When the girls attempted to resist and call for help, Kudegave threatened to kill them and warned them to remain silent.
Charges have been filed against Kudegave under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In an appeal to Bhandara police commissioner Nurool Hasan and inspector general of police Nagpur Range Sandip Patil, Gorhe called for a fast-tracked trial in a special court, a thorough investigation, and the swift filing of a comprehensive chargesheet to ensure the accused receives the maximum penalty and is not granted bail on technicalities.
Rehabilitation and Support Measures
Gorhe stressed that the victim should receive immediate medical care and psychological counseling. She instructed the district women and child development officer to compile a Social Investigation Report and ensure the girl benefits fully from the Manodhairya Scheme, aimed at providing comprehensive physical and mental recovery support for victims of such crimes.
To prevent similar incidents in rural areas, Gorhe urged enhanced awareness campaigns, activation of Child Protection Committees, and wider dissemination of the child helpline number 1098. She emphasized that authorities must ensure the perpetrator is punished swiftly and the innocent child receives full support for her recovery.
Broader Context and Additional Cases
The MLC also called for strict action in two other cases: an acid attack on a 12-year-old in Sangamner and the rape and murder of a toddler in Ambajogai, Beed district. These demands highlight ongoing concerns about child safety and the need for robust legal and social mechanisms to protect minors from violence and exploitation.
Gorhe's statements underscore a broader push for justice and support in Maharashtra, focusing on both punitive measures for offenders and rehabilitative efforts for victims to address the deep impacts of such crimes on communities.
