The father of the four-year-old girl who was raped and murdered inPune districthas made an emotional appeal to politicians, asking them not to visit his family until the accused is "hanged till death" and true justice is delivered.
In a video message, the grieving father said, "By the time I came to immerse the ashes of my daughter in Dehu village, I received calls from my family members that multiple politicians were coming to our residence to offer condolences. I appeal to all politicians that until my daughter receives true justice, until that accused is hanged, please do not visit my house. It's a humble request."
He added, "We will meet with politicians, or anyone else who wishes to meet us, only after the accused is hanged."
Amid massive protests and road blockades, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday assured that the government will push for the death penalty for the accused and fast-track the trial to deliver justice in "record time".
"I personally spoke to the victim’s father twice yesterday. I explained to him that our objective is to ensure that the accused is awarded the death penalty. For this, we are taking all necessary steps through the High Court to fast-track the filing of the charge sheet and the trial of the case. Our effort is to complete the entire process in record time... We will ensure that there are no legal loopholes that could be misused... We have also given a written assurance to the victim’s family that the case will be expedited in the court...," Fadnavis said.
A six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), including two women officers, has been formed to probe the case. "We will add more officers and personnel depending on the course of the investigation. The team will thoroughly probe the case," a Pune Police officer said.
The accused, a 65-year-old labourer with a criminal record, was arrested after he allegedly lured the girl with the promise of food, took her to a cattle enclosure, sexually assaulted her, and killed her by hitting her with a stone. He has been remanded to police custody till May 7.
The case has triggered a sharp political battle. Opposition leaders have slammed the Fadnavis government over law and order, with NCP (SP) leader and former home minister Anil Deshmukh demanding the immediate implementation of the Shakti Act.
"The fear of law doesn't exist under the Fadnavis-led government," Deshmukh said, adding that the Shakti Act, which provides for the death penalty within 21 days for such heinous crimes, was passed by both Houses of the state legislature during his tenure but remains pending final approval with the Centre.
Fadnavis hit back sharply. "It is laughable that those involved in cash-for-transfers scandals are teaching us about law and order," he said in an apparent reference to Deshmukh.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
