Pune: CM Assures Swift Trial in Bhor Case, Police Say Accused Has Past Record of Molestation and POCSO Offences

Pune, 2nd May 2026: The 65-year-old man arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault and murder of a four-year-old girl in Bhor’s Nasrapur area is a habitual offender who had previously been booked in multiple molestation and POCSO cases, Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill told reporters on Saturday.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the case would be taken to a fast-track court and that the prosecution would seek the death penalty.

According to police, the accused had a history of similar offences, having been booked in a molestation case in 1998 and again in 2015 under molestation and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) provisions, in which he was acquitted in 2019.

SP Sandeep Singh Gill said the investigation has revealed that the accused, a daily wage labourer, is a repeat offender. He added that the incident took place between 3.30 pm and 4 pm on Friday, and police received information around 5.15 pm, following which the accused was arrested within one to one-and-a-half hours. “We will ensure that the chargesheet is filed at the earliest,” he said.

The case came to light after the minor girl, who had gone missing earlier, was found dead with her body concealed under a heap of cow dung, triggering shock and outrage in the region. Police suspect sexual assault, and medical reports are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Fadnavis termed it “condemnable” and said the state government would pursue the matter with urgency. He said a request would be made to the High Court to establish a special fast-track court for the trial, a special public prosecutor would be appointed, and the investigation agency would press for capital punishment for the accused.

The incident sparked protests by local residents, who blocked the Pune–Satara highway on Friday night and later gathered outside the Rajgad police station demanding strict action. Senior officials intervened to pacify the crowd, assuring that stringent legal steps would be taken. Police have deployed additional personnel in the area to maintain law and order as the investigation continues.