Outrage Erupts in Maharashtra Over Gruesome Murder of Four-Year-Old Girl

The tragic murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune's Nasrapur area has sparked massive outrage across Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has vowed to seek the death penalty for the accused, a 65-year-old man with a history of similar offenses. The incident has led to widespread protests, with opposition parties criticizing the government's handling of law and order. As the community demands justice, the investigation is being closely monitored by senior police officials to ensure a strong prosecution. Residents are calling for a speedy trial and the harshest punishment for the perpetrator.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 2, 2026, 19:16 IST

Tragic Incident Sparks Statewide Protests

Pune/Mumbai: The shocking sexual assault and murder of a four-year-old girl in the Nasrapur region of Pune district on May 1 has ignited widespread outrage throughout Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pledged to pursue the death penalty for the alleged perpetrator, a 65-year-old man, while opposition parties have criticized the government's handling of law and order.

The young girl, visiting Nasrapur for her summer break, was reportedly lured to a cattle shed by the suspect under the guise of offering her food. Following the assault, the accused killed her with a stone and concealed her body beneath a pile of dung.

Authorities revealed that the crime was uncovered through CCTV footage, which led to the swift arrest of the suspect, who has a troubling history of similar offenses dating back to 1998 and 2015.

Condemning the act as a 'blot on humanity,' Chief Minister Fadnavis, who also serves as Home Minister, has instructed the Pune Rural Police to build a strong case and announced that the trial will take place in a Fast-Track Court.

Fadnavis reassured the public that 'the true story and all facts will be revealed soon' and emphasized the government's intention to seek the death penalty for the accused to establish a strong precedent. He has also ordered increased police presence in the Bhor area to help restore community safety.

In response to the significant protests in Nasrapur, the Chief Minister confirmed that senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Pune Rural, are closely monitoring the investigation to ensure a robust prosecution.

Opposition parties have criticized the state government for the declining law and order situation and its inability to safeguard women and children.

Supriya Sule, the NCP SP Working President, visited the site and expressed her sorrow, labeling the incident as 'inhuman.' She urged the authorities to act decisively against such crimes without political interference.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar directed his criticism at the Home Ministry, questioning how a repeat offender could remain at large. He claimed that 'the fear of the law has disappeared' under the current government and called for a complete review of child safety measures.

Neelam Gorhe, deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, demanded strict action against the accused, while Shiv Sena MP Jyoti Waghmare has advocated for the death penalty for those involved.

BJP legislator Chitra Wagh expressed that the incident has deeply unsettled society, emphasizing the need for relentless pursuit of justice for the young victim. The local community in Nasrapur has reacted with intense anger.

On Friday night, hundreds of villagers blocked the Pune-Satara Highway, insisting that the accused be handed over to them. A complete shutdown was observed in Nasrapur and nearby villages on Saturday, with residents calling for a 'speedy trial' and demanding the 'hanging of the culprit' within a month.