A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl in Pimpalwandi village of Junnar taluka in Maharashtra’s Pune district, police said.
The Class 4 student belonged to a farm labourer’s family. According to police, she had stayed home from school on Tuesday as she was unwell. Her parents were away at work when the incident allegedly took place.
Police said the accused, identified in reports as Sahil Khaire, was a neighbour known to the family. He allegedly took the girl away from her home in the afternoon and later sexually assaulted and strangled her.
The child was reported missing after her family could not find her at home. Relatives, villagers and police began searching the area, with the accused also allegedly joining the search.
Investigators examined CCTV footage from the locality and reportedly spotted a person riding a bicycle. When questioned about the footage, the accused allegedly admitted that he was the person seen in the recording.
Police said he subsequently confessed to the crime during questioning.
Based on information allegedly provided by the accused, the girl's body was recovered from beneath a tree near a stream.
The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, while a forensic team has examined the scene and collected evidence. Further investigation is underway.
The incident has triggered anger among villagers and the victim’s family, with protesters demanding the death penalty and a fast-track trial.
Villagers also blocked the Pune-Nashik Highway while demanding swift action against the accused. They warned that their agitation could intensify if concrete action was not taken within 15 days.
A relative of the girl demanded the harshest punishment for the accused.
“He should be hanged. We will not leave this place until he is hanged. We will not move until our little girl gets justice,” the relative said.
The relative also said the accused allegedly took advantage of the fact that the girl’s family members had gone out to work.
“He trapped her and took her away when everyone had gone out to work for their livelihood,” she said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar described the incident as “extremely unfortunate” and said it had “brought shame to humanity”.
Pawar spoke with Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill and sought details of the investigation. She directed the police to conduct a transparent and thorough probe and ensure strict action against the accused.
She also said she would make a special request to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the case to be heard in a fast-track court.
Police continue investigation
Pune Rural SP Sandeep Singh Gill visited the crime scene during the night to review the investigation. Police are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence and the post-mortem report as part of the probe.
The accused has been arrested and the investigation is continuing. The post-mortem and forensic findings are expected to provide further evidence in the case.
