Special judge calls it 'rarest of rare' case; accused sexually assaulted 3.5-year-old, stuffed pants 21 cm into her mouth to suffocate her

The Pune District and Sessions Court on Monday sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old toddler in Nasrapur, Bhor taluka of Pune district. Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe delivered the verdict, making it one of Maharashtra's fastest-concluded capital punishment cases, with the judgment pronounced just 60 days after the crime.

On June 25, the court had found Kamble guilty but reserved its decision on sentencing. While pronouncing the death sentence on Monday, the judge made a series of strong observations on the brutality of the crime, describing it as a "rarest of rare" case warranting the maximum punishment.

'Even hanging is insufficient for such a demon'

While reading out the verdict, Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe severely criticized the cruelty of the accused in harsh words.

"The accused left no option for the little girl to survive. He subjected her to inhuman torture, and not only that, but even after the murder he sexually assaulted her dead body. Even the death penalty is insufficient for such a demon."

"There were as many as 18 wounds on the girl's body. To suffocate her, her pants were stuffed 21 centimeters into her mouth. The helpless girl endured unbearable pain."

The judge noted that the accused had "crossed the level of reform long ago." Looking at his past history—previously at the age of 53, he had attempted to assault a girl in the family and an elderly person as well—he has no remorse whatsoever. "This incident falls into the 'rarest of rare' category."

Supreme Court precedents cited

Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar cited 12 judgments of the Supreme Court to argue for the death penalty. All these judgments had similarities with the Nasrapur incident.

While delivering the final verdict, the judges cited the 'Nirbhaya case', 'Bashar Ali case', 'Shankar Khade case' and 'Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab' cases.

"A murder committed with a calm mind after conspiracy, the cruelty in the crime and the shock to society caused by this incident—all these factors qualify for the death penalty. This act committed with a helpless girl child to satisfy one's own lust is inhuman," the court clarified.

Police investigation praised

During the verdict, the court profusely praised the work of the police and investigation agencies.

"Within just 16 days of the crime occurring, the police filed a strong charge sheet. Even during the summer vacation, the court gave full time to this case. 55 witnesses were examined. The doctor, cyber experts, and forensic team did commendable work. The police deserve congratulations for conducting an excellent investigation."

"Getting such speedy justice is a dream, which is not possible in all cases. However, the teamwork in this case and the follow-up by the special government lawyers is an ideal example for everyone," said the judge.

Age plea rejected

During the hearing, the issue of the accused's advancing age was raised on his behalf. The defense requested that a lenient sentence be given instead of death penalty considering his age. However, the court did not accept this argument.

Shocking medical report

According to the medical report presented by the prosecution, the accused sexually assaulted the toddler with extreme brutality. Not only that, but the prosecution made a serious claim that the assault continued even after her death. The findings in this report had triggered a wave of outrage across the entire state.

Crime timeline

On May 1, in Nasrapur, the accused allegedly assaulted and murdered the toddler over a period of approximately 39 minutes. After this incident, anger was expressed throughout the state including Pune. Protests took place at various locations and demands were made for strict punishment.

Fast-track trial

The state government took serious cognizance of this case and decided to conduct the trial in a Fast Track Court. The Pune Rural Police filed the chargesheet in just 16 days. Testimonies of more than 55 witnesses were recorded and various technical evidence including CCTV footage was also presented.

What happened during the previous hearing?

During the previous hearing, Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe found Kamble guilty. After the crime was proven, the judge made the accused stand directly in the dock and asked him point-blank, "Remember that incident and tell me yourself what punishment should be given to you?" In response, the accused tried to defend himself and attempted to fabricate a false story of an accident.

Society's reaction

This incident had extremely serious and far-reaching effects on society. An enraged crowd, in a sentiment of lost faith in the law, blocked the Mumbai-Bangalore highway demanding that the accused be handed over to them. With this verdict, there is a feeling that the accused has received the highest punishment for his cruel act under charges of kidnapping, assault and murder as well as POCSO laws.

Heavy police deployment was stationed outside the Pune District and Sessions Court. A large crowd of citizens also gathered in the court premises.