Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 29: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar on Monday welcomed the special court's decision to award the death penalty to the convict in the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Pune's Nasrapur, describing the judgment as a strong message against crimes targeting women and children.

Reacting to the verdict, Chief Minister Fadnavis said the punishment reflected the seriousness of the offence and underscored the state's uncompromising stand against such crimes.

He said individuals responsible for such barbaric acts have no place in society and expressed gratitude to the judiciary for delivering justice. The Chief Minister also congratulated the Pune Rural Police and the prosecution team for completing the investigation and trial within a record period.

Fadnavis personally spoke to the Pune District Superintendent of Police and Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar, appreciating their efforts in securing the conviction through a swift and effective legal process.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the judgment would serve as a powerful deterrent to those contemplating crimes against women and children. He asserted that Maharashtra would not tolerate such offences and warned that offenders would face the harshest punishment under the law.

According to Shinde, the Mahayuti government under the leadership of Chief Minister Fadnavis has placed the safety of women and children at the centre of its governance agenda. He said the administration remains committed to ensuring speedy investigations, fast-track trials and strict legal action against those found guilty.

Shinde added that the prompt conclusion of the Nasrapur case has strengthened public confidence in the justice delivery system and reaffirmed the government's resolve to create a safer environment for women and children.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar also welcomed the verdict, saying it had delivered justice to the victim's family while reinforcing faith in the judiciary.

She noted that the court sentenced the accused, Bhimrao Kamble, to death within just two months of the crime, making it one of the fastest concluded cases of its kind. She said the swift disposal demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts by the police, prosecution and judiciary.

Pawar stated that individuals guilty of such brutal crimes have no place in civilised society and expressed hope that the stringent punishment would discourage similar offences in the future.

She praised the prosecution for presenting the case effectively and commended the Pune Rural Police for promptly forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT), gathering evidence and ensuring the case moved quickly through the judicial process.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to protecting women, girls and children, Pawar said the state would continue strengthening measures aimed at ensuring their safety while standing firmly with victims and their families in the pursuit of justice.