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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the state government will seek capital punishment for the accused in the Pune child rape and murder case and ensure a fast-tracked trial to deliver justice “in record time”.

 

A 65-year-old man with a prior criminal record was arrested on May 1 in Bhor tehsil of Pune district for allegedly sexually assaulting and killing a four-year-old child. The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the region, with villagers staging protests demanding stringent action.

 

The case has also drawn sharp criticism from Opposition parties, who have attacked the state government over the law and order situation and demanded immediate justice for the victim.

 

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said he had spoken twice to the victim’s father and assured the family of full support from the government.

 

“I spoke twice to the father of the victim, and I have told him that we will work towards getting capital punishment for the accused. Accordingly, we will fast-track the case and complete it in record time,” he said.

 

Also read: UP man detained for 'sexually assaulting', killing stray dog

 

He added that while public anger in such heinous cases is understandable, justice must be delivered strictly within the framework of law. “While people feel like hanging accused in public in cases of heinous crimes, it cannot be done in a democracy, which runs by law,” he said.

 

The Chief Minister said the investigation would be made watertight to ensure there are no loopholes that could be exploited later in court. He stressed that the government would take all necessary steps to secure capital punishment for the accused.

 

Fadnavis also said the government had written to the victim’s family, assuring continued assistance and support throughout the legal process.

 

Responding to Opposition criticism over rising crime, he said the comments were politically motivated. “It is laughable that those involved in cash-for-transfers scandals are teaching us about law and order,” he said, adding that the Opposition fails to reflect on its own governance record.

 

Police officials said the investigation is underway and evidence is being collected to strengthen the prosecution’s case.