Maharashtra CM Vows to Seek Death Penalty for Pune Child Murder Case

In a tragic case from Pune, Maharashtra's Chief Minister has pledged to seek the death penalty for the accused in the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl. The government is working to expedite the judicial process, ensuring no legal loopholes are available for the suspect. With a troubling criminal history, the 65-year-old suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident, thanks to CCTV footage. The CM has also warned against those attempting to politicize this heartbreaking situation, reaffirming support for the victim's family and a thorough investigation into past negligence. Read on for more details.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2026, 13:18 IST

Maharashtra's Firm Stance on Child Murder Case

In response to the tragic incident involving the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a strong stance. He emphasized that the government's primary objective is to ensure the perpetrator receives the death penalty. Fadnavis assured the victim's father that the case would be expedited through a swift judicial process.

Efforts to Ensure Capital Punishment

The Chief Minister revealed that the government is working to facilitate a fast-track hearing in the High Court and aims to file the chargesheet promptly. He stated, 'We will ensure that there are no legal loopholes that the accused could exploit.' Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed the police to gather substantial evidence to secure a death sentence for the accused.

Accused's Criminal Background

Investigations have uncovered that the 65-year-old suspect has a history of criminal activity. He was previously charged with molestation in 1998 and faced two cases in 2015 related to POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) and attempted murder. However, he was acquitted in 2019 due to insufficient evidence. According to Pune rural police, the accused has consistently exhibited criminal tendencies.

CCTV Footage Reveals Key Evidence

A CCTV recording has surfaced, showing the accused luring the innocent girl down an alley. This footage played a crucial role in the police's ability to apprehend him within hours of the incident. Currently, the suspect has been remanded to police custody until May 7.

CM Warns Against Political Exploitation

The Chief Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the public's justified anger. However, he cautioned that some individuals are attempting to exploit this tragic event for political gain and divert attention from the core issues. He reiterated the commitment to support the victim's family and investigate previous negligence.