Mumbai, May 4: The kidnapping, rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Narsapur, Pune district has ignited a fierce political storm in Maharashtra, with opposition parties accusing the state Home Department of police negligence and a collapse of law and order and demanding a probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The incident has prompted public protests and sharp criticism of the Pune police’s handling of the case.
Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar told court that police knew of the accused’s prior criminal record but failed to disclose it to the judiciary, saying, “The police only updated the remand application after being reprimanded by the court.” He asked, “If the police are this negligent, how will the child get justice? Is their only ‘achievement’ lathicharging the grieving family and the public?” Wadettiwar demanded that the SIT be led by a woman IPS officer, arguing that insensitive policing has eroded public trust.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut directly attacked Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, suggesting the Home Minister should be held accountable for systemic failures. Raut accused Fadnavis of being preoccupied with politics and questioned the value of the government’s welfare scheme, asking, “If ‘beloved sisters’ (Ladki Bahin) receive Rs 1,500 a month but their daughters are violated in return, should they remain silent?”
Mumbai Congress chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad called the crime a “blot on humanity,” asserting it shows there is no fear of the law left in the state. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Amit Thackeray expressed deep outrage and noted the child had been visiting her grandmother when she was abducted and killed by an elderly man, according to reports.
The brutality of the crime triggered spontaneous protests in Narsapur and surrounding areas. Tensions escalated when police reportedly used force to disperse angry residents and family members demanding immediate justice, a response that further intensified opposition allegations of government insensitivity.
Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the act as a “blot on humanity,” ordered the Pune Rural Police to build a watertight case, and announced the trial will be held in a Fast-Track Court. He said the government will seek the death penalty for the accused and has ordered increased police patrolling in the Bhor region to restore a sense of security. IANS.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/04/pune-toddler-rape-murder-case-oppn-demands-sit-probe-criticises-maharashtra-home-dept/
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Publish Date: 2026-05-04 13:38:00
