Pune Horror: Thousands Protest in Raigad-Bhor After Assault & Murder of 4-Year-Old

A bandh has been called in Bhor and Rajgad tehsils of Pune district on Sunday, as anger continues to grow over the assault and murder of a four-year-old girl in Nasrapur village.

The accused, Bhimrao Kamble, a 65-year-old daily wage labourer from Nasrapur, was arrested on Saturday. According to police records and statements from political leaders, he has a criminal history and was previously jailed in cases involving sexual offences against minors.

The announcement for the bandh comes amid rising outrage across the region. Villagers have urged everyone to participate and cooperate to make the protest effective. Many have also raised strong demands, including calls for the death penalty, reflecting the depth of public anger.

Residents have appealed to traders, shopkeepers, and the general public to shut down all activities and stand together in protest, seeking justice for the child and strict punishment for the accused.

The crime took place on Friday, when the victim, who was visiting her grandmother for the holidays, went missing while playing near her house. CCTV footage later showed the accused leading her toward a cattle shed, reportedly luring her with the promise of showing a calf.

Investigators found that the child was sexually assaulted inside the shed and then killed after being struck on the head with a stone. The accused allegedly hid her body under a pile of cow dung. Her family discovered her later that evening after a long search.

The incident sparked immediate unrest in the area. Hundreds of villagers gathered outside the Rajgad police station and blocked the Pune-Satara highway for several hours on Friday night.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that the case be tried in a fast-track court. The state will also appoint a special public prosecutor to ensure a swift trial. An FIR has been registered under sections related to murder and rape, along with provisions of the POCSO Act.

Police continue to investigate the case and are questioning the accused to gather more details and determine whether anyone else was involved. 

Forensic teams have already completed their examination of the crime scene.