A four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered by a 65-year-old man in a village under Bhor tehsil of Pune district on Friday, police said, triggering widespread anger and protests in the area.
The incident has shaken the region, with residents taking to the streets through the night and political leaders stepping in, even as the police assured swift action and a fast-tracked probe. The crime, reported from Nasrapur in Bhor taluka, has left people angry and shaken, raising fresh concerns over children’s safety and delays in justice.
According to the police, the accused lured the child with food to a nearby shed, where he allegedly assaulted her and later killed her. Officials said the accused allegedly crushed the child with a stone. He was later arrested and booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
How the crime came to light
The incident came to light after the child went missing, following which her family began searching for her. During the search, her mutilated body was found, police said.
CCTV footage later showed the accused accompanying the girl, which helped investigators identify and trace him, officials added.
As news of the crime spread, hundreds of villagers gathered near a police chowki and along a highway late Friday night, demanding strict punishment. In Nasrapur, angry residents also blocked the Pune-Bengaluru Highway, even as emotional scenes unfolded when the child’s body was brought near the police station.
The protests continued into Saturday, with locals holding a march and calling for justice.
#WATCH | Maharashtra: A four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered by a 65-year-old man in a village in Pune district.
Local villagers take out a protest march, demanding strict action against the accused. pic.twitter.com/tYYVUkfFAg
— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2026
Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandipsingh Gill visited the spot and assured residents that the investigation would be expedited. He said a chargesheet would be filed within 15 days and the case would be tried in a fast-track court.
‘Inhuman incident’: Supriya Sule appeals for calm
Reacting to the case, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule condemned the crime, calling it an “inhuman” act that has “tarnished humanity.”
“I have spoken with the Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural, regarding the inhuman incident in Nasrapur that has tarnished humanity. They have assured the strictest possible action against the beast who committed this heinous crime. I remain in constant touch with the government and administration on this matter, and efforts are underway to ensure justice for the victim,” she said in a post on X.
While demanding the harshest punishment for the accused, Sule also appealed to citizens to stay calm.
“My humble request to fellow citizens is that it is our collective stance that the criminal should face the harshest punishment and the victim should get justice. The police administration has taken note of the aggressive stance adopted by all of us on this issue. Please, let us all maintain restraint in this matter. Strictest possible action will be taken against the guilty party in this case,” she added.
Govt, leaders promise strictest punishment
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam said the government is focused on ensuring the strongest possible legal action.
“The investigation is currently underway, and it is our effort that the strictest punishment be given to that person,” he told IANS.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also reacted strongly, raising concerns over the state of society.
“What has our society come to? A four-year-old girl and a 65-year-old man who lured her, who sexually assaulted her and killed her. This has triggered such outrage. Hundreds of villagers have rushed to the police chowki. The police are taking cognisance of it. But I think, as a society, it’s a larger question on what has become of us,” she said.
Anger grows, questions over justice system
The gruesome crime has triggered a massive wave of anger among residents, with many questioning delays in justice delivery in such cases.
A social activist said recurring delays in fast-track courts have eroded public trust. “When justice is delayed for years, the deterrent effect vanishes, and the cycle of violence continues,” the activist said.
Police said further investigation is underway, adding that the accused is in custody.