An elderly man was detained by police on Tuesday evening for allegedly molesting his nine-year-old granddaughter at a slum dwelling in the Parvati area of Pune, officers said.
The incident came to light after a neighbour noticed the accused through a gap in a tin sheet wall allegedly attempting to remove the child’s clothes. The neighbour immediately raised an alarm, following which locals rushed to the spot, apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police.
The child, who lives with her parents, had recently been staying in close proximity to the accused after her maternal grandfather moved into a small adjoining room.
Tension prevailed in the area after the incident, with a large number of residents gathering near Parvati Hill and blocking the road, demanding strict action against the accused. Police personnel were deployed to control the situation and ease traffic congestion.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Pune) Ranjan Kumar Sharma said, “A nine-year-old girl was targeted by her own maternal grandfather, who attempted to commit a serious offence. Upon receiving information, the Parvati Police Station team reached the spot and took the accused into custody. The girl is currently undergoing a medical examination.”
He added, “The local crowd is urged to allow the police to carry out legal proceedings without interference, as the gathering is causing inconvenience to residents and affecting traffic movement. An FIR is being registered and the accused has been sent for medical evaluation.”
The child has been admitted to a hospital for examination. Further investigation is underway.
Pune rape-murder: Deputy CM Eknath Shinde promises death penalty for four-year-old’s killer
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Monday assured the residents of Narsapur village in Pune district that the accused in the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl would be given the death penalty.
Shinde visited the village and met the victim’s family and local residents, who submitted a memorandum demanding capital punishment for the 65-year-old accused. Villagers alleged that the accused had committed similar offences in the past.
The four-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and murdered on May 1 in Narsapur village in Bhor tehsil, triggering outrage and protests in the area.
Addressing residents, Shinde said, “The state government will not stay quiet until it ensures that the culprit is hanged.”
He added that he had spoken to CM Devendra Fadnavis, who has taken serious note of the case.
Police have been instructed to build a watertight case against the accused. The state government is expected to push for a fast-track trial to ensure swift justice.
(With ANI and PTI inputs)