Pune: Nasrapur Child Rape and Murder Case Accused Bhimrao Kamble Convicted, Court to Announce Sentence on June 29

Pune, 25th June 2026: A special court in Pune on Wednesday convicted 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble, arrested in the horrific rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in the Nasrapur area, Bhor taluka, Pune district on May 1. The case, which occurred on May 1, 2026 (Maharashtra Day), sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, leading to protests, highway blockades, and strong demands for swift justice.

The court convicted Kamble in all charges including rape and murder, and it has stated that the punishment will be announced on June 29. The public prosecutor argued that the crime falls under the ‘rarest of rare’ category and the accused should be awarded capital punishment.

The Incident
The girl lived in Pune and had gone to her grandmother’s house during summer vacation. On the afternoon of May 1, the young girl was playing outside her grandmother’s house. Around 3:30 pm, the accused, Bhimrao Prabhakar Kamble (65), a farm labourer from a neighbouring village, allegedly lured her away with the promise of snacks and showing her a newborn calf.

CCTV footage captured Kamble leading the child by hand toward a cattle shed (tin shed) approximately 700 metres from her home. Inside the shed, he allegedly subjected her to sexual assault and unnatural offences. The accused then allegedly murdered the child by gagging her with a cloth, inflicting head and chest injuries (including smashing her head with a stone), and attempting to conceal the body under cow dung in the shed.

The family reported her missing around 5:30 pm and, after searching and reviewing local CCTV, located the body. She was rushed to a hospital but declared dead. Police arrested Kamble the same day based on CCTV evidence and local intelligence. He reportedly led investigators to the crime scene.

Investigation and Chargesheet

Pune Rural Police, under Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill, formed a special investigation team. The probe relied on CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, forensic evidence, DNA analysis, and medical reports. Police noted that Kamble had a history of sexual offences, including a 1998 molestation case (acquitted) and a 2015 complaint involving a minor relative (later withdrawn).

In a swift action, authorities filed a comprehensive 1,200-page chargesheet within just 15 days, incorporating statements from over 55 witnesses. The case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including murder and rape, along with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Court Proceedings

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured a fast-track trial and pursuit of the death penalty. The trial began on May 21, 2026, before Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe in a special court in Pune. Proceedings were held in-camera (closed to the public) to protect the victim’s family’s identity and privacy. The accused was produced daily under heavy security (later via video conferencing in some hearings).

The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar, examined 55 witnesses, including the victim’s parents and grandmother, eyewitnesses, panch witnesses, investigating officers, forensic experts, and DNA analysts. Key evidence included DNA matches linking the accused to the victim (skin under fingernails suggesting struggle, biological material on clothing), CCTV analysis by forensic experts, and viscera/forensic reports.

Charges were framed within about 28 days, and the trial proceeded on a day-to-day basis. Final arguments concluded recently, after which the court reserved its judgment for June 25.

Public Reaction and Broader Impact

The incident triggered massive public anger. Villagers blocked the Pune-Bengaluru and Pune-Satara highways, held silent marches, and observed a bandh in Nasrapur. Protests spread to other parts of Pune, with demands for strict punishment and better child safety measures. Political leaders, including local MLAs and opposition figures, visited the area and called for justice.

The victim’s father publicly commended the police for their swift action while appealing for justice.

Note: The victim’s identity is withheld as per Supreme Court guidelines on reporting cases of sexual assault on minors. For the latest updates on the verdict, refer to official court sources or reliable news outlets.