Pune Court Sentences Nasrapur Rape-Murder Accused Bhimrao Kamble to Death by Hanging
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 29th June 2026: A special fast-track court in Pune on Monday sentenced 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble to death by hanging till he is dead for the brutal rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur area, Bhor taluka.
The court convicted Kamble on June 25 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for kidnapping, rape, and murder. Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe pronounced the quantum of punishment today after hearing arguments on aggravating and mitigating circumstances. The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar, strongly argued for capital punishment, describing the case as falling under the “rarest of rare” category. They cited multiple Supreme Court precedents to emphasize the heinous nature of the crime.
The horrific incident occurred on May 1 when Kamble, a casual labourer and resident of Nasrapur, lured the toddler to a cattle shed on the pretext of showing her a newborn calf. He sexually assaulted the child, inflicted multiple injuries, and murdered her before attempting to conceal the body under cow dung. CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts from local children, forensic evidence, and medical reports proving around 18 injuries played a crucial role in securing the conviction within a record 55 days.
The crime sparked widespread outrage across Maharashtra, with protests and demands for stringent action. Police arrested Kamble promptly, and the chargesheet was filed swiftly. The fast-track trial was expedited with day-to-day hearings, reflecting the system’s resolve to deliver justice in child sexual abuse cases.
Defence lawyers had sought leniency citing Kamble’s age, but the court observed that the brutality left no room for mercy. Kamble, a repeat offender according to some reports, showed little remorse during proceedings.
Reacting to the verdict, the victim’s family and villagers expressed relief, hailing it as exemplary justice. Senior police officials, including Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill, were present during key hearings. Legal experts noted that the swift timeline sets a positive precedent for POCSO cases.
The sentence is subject to confirmation by the High Court, as is standard in death penalty cases.
