Mumbai, May 2 (PTI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Saturday met the family of the minor girl who was allegedly raped and killed by a 65-year-old man in Bhor tehsil of Pune district, assuring them of strict action against the accused and a fast track trial.
Describing the incident as “shocking” and a “blot on humanity”, Pawar said the government stands firmly with the victim’s family and will ensure justice.
She also spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and sought a fast-track court trial so that the accused receives the harshest punishment, a statement from Pawar’s office said.
The statement said instructions have been issued to file a charge sheet at the earliest. A special public prosecutor will be appointed, and the case will be pursued under the POCSO Act to secure stringent punishment.
Pawar, who is the guardian minister of Pune district, also directed officials to take strict preventive measures and warned that no leniency would be shown towards those guilty of such crimes.
Police arrested the 65-year-old accused with a criminal record amid protests in the area.
The accused, who works as a labourer, allegedly lured the girl with the promise of food on Friday and took her to a cattle enclosure where he sexually assaulted her and later killed her by hitting her with a stone, said a police official.
He was arrested on the basis of CCTV footage from a private residence, which captured him with the child. The sessions court in Pune remanded him in police custody till May 7. PTI MR NSK
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