Pune court sentences 65-year-old to death for rape and murder of three-year-old girl

In a landmark verdict that has drawn widespread attention, a special fast-track court in Pune district has sentenced a 65-year-old man to death for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl. The court awarded three death sentences under the Indian Penal Code for murder and rape, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, holding that the case fell into the 'rarest of the rare' category.

Special Judge R. S. Salunkhe, while delivering the verdict, made observations that moved everyone present in the courtroom. He emphasised that the court must 'perceive by its senses' the child's suffering, referring to the 18 injuries inflicted on her and the CCTV footage showing her walking happily with the accused, unaware that it was her last journey.

The judge said: 'This court has not only to consider but perceive with its senses the facts brought on record. This court must keep its senses alive to hear the last scream of the child, which was loud enough, recorded in an audio-video CCTV camera. This court shall perceive by its senses, 18 injuries inflicted on that small child. This court shall perceive by its senses the suffering of the child when she was being sexually assaulted... This court shall perceive by its senses, that CCTV footage wherein that innocent child walks her small steps happily with the accused, reposing trust on him.'

The verdict came less than two months after the incident, which sparked widespread outrage. Thousands of people from all sections of society gathered on the Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway with the child's body, demanding that the accused be handed over to them. The court noted this public outcry, stating: 'They had no trust in the law-enforcing agencies. It is a matter of introspection into why such public perception develops.'

The judge also praised the swift investigation, with the charge sheet filed in 16 days. He used a metaphor comparing the judicial process to a four-seater car carrying five passengers, noting that this case was fortunate to travel in a 'four-seater car' due to the coordinated efforts of the investigating agency and the court's dedicated time.

'This case may be an exception to the growing public perception that the law-enforcing authorities do not work to their expectations. The investigating agency came with full strength, coordinated with each other, collected strong material before it disappeared, and submitted the charge sheet just within 16 days from the date of the offence,' the court observed.