The Pune District and Sessions Court today (Monday, 29th June) sentenced Bhimrao Kamble (age 65), who brutally assaulted and mercilessly murdered a mere three-and-a-half-year-old child in Nasrapur in Bhor taluka of Pune district, to death by hanging until death.
Special Judge S. R. Salunkhe delivered this historic verdict. Notably, this has become the state’s first and fastest case to be decided, with the verdict delivered in just two months from the occurrence of the crime and the trial completed in merely 16 days.
Four days ago (25th June), the court had found Kamble guilty, but had reserved the sentencing decision. The observations recorded by the judge while delivering the final verdict today were extremely shocking.
Serious observations recorded by the judge
While reading out the verdict, Special Judge S. R. Salunkhe severely criticized the cruelty of the accused in harsh words.
- Torture even after murder, even hanging is insufficient: “The accused left no option for the little girl to survive. He subjected her to inhuman torture, and not only that, but even after the murder he sexually assaulted her dead body. Even the death penalty is insufficient for such a demon.”
- The pinnacle of cruelty: “There were as many as 18 wounds on the girl’s body. To suffocate her, her pants were stuffed 21 centimeters into her mouth. The helpless girl endured unbearable pain.”
- “Rarest of Rare” case: “The accused has crossed the level of reform long ago. Looking at his past history (previously at the age of 53, he had attempted to assault a girl in the family and an elderly person as well), he has no remorse whatsoever. This incident falls into the ‘Rarest of Rare’ category.”
Citations of law and arguments by special public prosecutor
Special Public Prosecutor Ajay Misar cited 12 judgments of the Supreme Court to argue for the death penalty for the accused in this case. All these judgments had similarities with the Nasrapur incident.
While delivering the final verdict, the judges cited the ‘Nirbhaya case’, ‘Bashar Ali case’, ‘Shankar Khade case’ and ‘Bachan Singh versus State of Punjab’ cases.
“A murder committed with a calm mind after conspiracy, the cruelty in the crime and the shock to society caused by this incident – all these factors qualify for the death penalty. This act committed with a helpless girl child to satisfy one’s own lust is inhuman,” the court clarified.
Appreciation of investigation mechanism and teamwork
During this verdict, the court profusely praised the work of the police and investigation agencies.
“Within just 16 days of the crime occurring, the police filed a strong charge sheet. Even during the summer vacation, the court gave full time to this case. 55 witnesses were examined. The doctor, cyber experts, and forensic team did commendable work. The police deserve congratulations for conducting an excellent investigation.”
“Getting such speedy justice is a dream, which is not possible in all cases. However, the teamwork in this case and the follow-up by the special government lawyers is an ideal example for everyone,” said the judge.
Impact on society
This incident had extremely serious and far-reaching effects on society. The enraged crowd, in a sentiment of lost faith in the law, blocked the Mumbai-Bangalore highway demanding that the accused be handed over to them. Finally, the law and justice system have given great relief to society by deciding to hang this demon on the gallows. With this verdict, there is a feeling that the accused Bhimrao Kamble has received the highest punishment for his cruel act under charges of kidnapping, assault and murder as well as POCSO (POCSO) laws.
Accused raised the issue of age; Court rejected it
During the hearing, the issue of the accused’s advancing age was raised on his behalf. The defense requested that a lenient sentence be given instead of death penalty considering his age. However, it has come to light that the court did not accept this argument.
Shocking findings in medical report
According to the medical report presented by the prosecution before the court, the accused sexually assaulted the toddler with extreme brutality. Not only that, but the prosecution made a serious claim that the assault continued even after her death. The findings in this report had triggered a wave of outrage across the entire state.
The incident occurred on May 1
On May 1, in Nasrapur, the accused is alleged to have assaulted and murdered a three-and-a-half-year-old toddler over a period of approximately 39 minutes. After this incident, anger was expressed throughout the state including Pune. Protests took place at various locations and demands were made for strict punishment for the accused.
Fast-track hearing in Fast Track Court
The state government took serious cognizance of this case and decided to conduct the trial in a Fast Track Court. The Pune Rural Police filed the chargesheet in just 16 days. Subsequently, the hearing in the court proceeded swiftly. In this case, testimonies of more than 55 witnesses were recorded and various technical evidence including CCTV footage was also presented before the court. In the backdrop of today’s verdict, heavy police deployment was stationed outside the Pune District and Sessions Court. A large crowd of citizens also gathered in the court premises.
What happened in the court during the previous hearing?
In the case of the inhumane torture and murder of an innocent three-and-a-half-year-old child in Nasrapur, Bhor taluka, extremely dramatic developments were witnessed in the Pune District Sessions Court. Special Judge S. R. Salunkhe found the 65-year-old demonic accused Bhimrao Prabhakar Kamble guilty.
After the crime was proven, the judge made the accused stand directly in the dock and asked him point-blank, “Remember that incident and tell me yourself what punishment should be given to you?” In response, this shameless demon tried to defend himself even in court and attempted to fabricate a false story of an accident.
