Pune Court Sentences Bhimrao Kamble to Death for Child Rape-Murder
A Pune fast-track court has sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death for the brutal rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur. The verdict, delivered swiftly, underscores the severity of the crime, categorized as 'rarest of rare' by the judiciary.
Key Highlights
- Bhimrao Kamble, 65, sentenced to death by Pune court.
- Convicted for rape and murder of a 3-year-old girl.
- Crime occurred on May 1, 2026, in Nasrapur, Pune.
- Verdict delivered swiftly, within 60 days of the incident.
- Case categorized as 'rarest of rare' due to extreme brutality.
- The court highlighted the accused's lack of remorse.
A special fast-track court in Pune, Maharashtra, on Monday, June 29, 2026, delivered a death sentence to 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble, finding him guilty of the heinous rape and murder of a three-year-old girl. The verdict came swiftly, within 60 days of the horrific incident that occurred on May 1, 2026, in Nasrapur village, Bhor taluka of Pune district.
The court, presided over by Special Judge S. R. Salunkhe, had convicted Kamble on June 25, 2026, for charges including kidnapping, rape, and murder under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. During the conviction, the judge remarked on the 'inhuman brutality' involved in the crime and noted Kamble's complete lack of remorse throughout the trial. The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar, had vehemently argued for the death penalty, asserting that the case fell squarely within the 'rarest of rare' category, citing the extreme cruelty inflicted upon the minor victim.
The crime, which sparked widespread outrage and protests across Maharashtra, involved Kamble luring the young girl away from a temple by promising her snacks and showing her a newborn calf. He then abducted her to a nearby cowshed where he sexually assaulted and murdered her, attempting to conceal her body. The post-mortem report revealed 18 injuries, indicating continuous assault for approximately 39 minutes, including rape, anal penetration, and oral sexual assault.
The investigation by the Pune rural police was exceptionally fast-paced and thorough. A comprehensive 1,200-page chargesheet was filed within a mere 15 days of the crime, backed by extensive technical and forensic evidence. Key evidence included CCTV footage showing the accused leading the girl away, DNA analysis, forensic science laboratory reports, the post-mortem report, and testimonies from 82 witnesses. Crucial testimonies came from other children playing nearby who had witnessed Kamble with the victim.
The trial itself was fast-tracked, with daily in-camera proceedings conducted as directed by the Bombay High Court, demonstrating the judiciary's commitment to swift justice in heinous crimes against children. The court emphasized that the prosecution had established an 'unbroken chain of circumstantial and forensic evidence' proving Kamble's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge explicitly stated that the accused deserved no leniency given the barbarity of his actions. Kamble, a casual worker, father of seven children, and grandfather of eleven, remained impassive as the judgment was pronounced, further reinforcing the court's observation about his lack of repentance.
The quick conviction and sentencing in this case serve as a significant precedent for judicial efficiency and the stern response to crimes against vulnerable populations in India. Maharashtra Legislative Council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe publicly thanked the judiciary for the expeditious trial, reflecting the public and political sentiment for swift justice. The case highlights the resolve of the Indian legal system to protect children and hold perpetrators of such horrific acts accountable with the severest possible punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Bhimrao Kamble and what was he convicted for?
Bhimrao Kamble is a 65-year-old man who was convicted by a special fast-track court in Pune for the brutal rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur.
What sentence did Bhimrao Kamble receive?
Bhimrao Kamble was sentenced to death by the Pune court. The judge ruled that he should be 'hanged till death'.
When did the crime occur and how quickly was the verdict delivered?
The horrific crime occurred on May 1, 2026. The conviction was delivered on June 25, 2026, and the death sentence on June 29, 2026, demonstrating a remarkably swift judicial process, with the verdict coming within 60 days of the incident.
Why was this case considered 'rarest of rare'?
The court categorized the case as 'rarest of rare' due to the extreme brutality and inhuman nature of the crime, the tender age of the victim, and the accused's complete lack of remorse.
What evidence led to the conviction?
The conviction was based on a strong chain of circumstantial and forensic evidence, including CCTV footage, DNA analysis, forensic reports, the post-mortem report, and testimonies from 82 witnesses.