Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 2: Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state government will seek capital punishment for the accused in the alleged sexual assault and murder of a minor girl in Pune district, assuring that the case will be fast-tracked.

Terming the incident “highly condemnable and tragic,” Fadnavis said a three to four-year-old girl was assaulted and killed by a 65-year-old man, who has since been arrested. He said the government would move the case in a fast-track court and request the Bombay High Court to appoint a special public prosecutor.

“The people are angry over this incident. We will ensure speedy trial and demand the harshest punishment,” he said, while urging Opposition parties to refrain from politicising the case.

The crime came to light after the child went missing from a village in Pune district, prompting a search by her family. CCTV footage later showed the accused with the girl, following which he was arrested by police. Investigators said the accused allegedly lured the child with food to a shed, where he sexually assaulted and killed her.

The incident triggered widespread outrage, with hundreds of villagers staging protests near a police outpost and blocking a highway, demanding strict action against the accused.

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandipsingh Gill assured that the case would be fast-tracked and confirmed that the accused has been booked under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Supriya Sule also condemned the incident, describing it as “inhuman” and urging people to maintain restraint while assuring that strict action would be taken.