Pune court sentences 65-year-old to death for rape and murder of toddler
In a fast-track verdict delivered within two months of the crime, a special court in Pune on Monday sentenced a 65-year-old man to death for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in a village in Maharashtra's Pune district.
Special Judge S R Salunkhe awarded three death sentences under the Indian Penal Code sections for murder and rape, as well as under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, terming the case as falling in the 'rarest of the rare' category. The court described the act as 'brutal, inhuman and barbaric'.
The accused was produced before the court under tight police security at 11 am. The courtroom was filled with the victim's family members, lawyers, journalists and members of the public. The parents and relatives broke down as the sentence was read out.
The case had sparked outrage in the local community and led to demands for swift justice. The trial was conducted on a fast-track basis, with the court completing proceedings in less than two months after the incident.
Legal experts note that the death penalty is reserved for the 'rarest of the rare' cases, as per the Supreme Court's guidelines. The sentence will be subject to confirmation by the High Court, and the accused has the right to appeal.
The judgment highlights the judiciary's commitment to protecting children from sexual offences and delivering stringent punishment in heinous crimes. The POCSO Act provides for the death penalty in cases of aggravated sexual assault leading to death.
The victim's family expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying they had received justice. Local residents and child rights activists also welcomed the decision, while calling for continued efforts to prevent such crimes.
The case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and swift legal action in offences against children. Authorities have been urged to ensure that all such cases are handled with similar urgency and sensitivity.
