BackLAW
Hundreds protest on Pune's Mumbai-Bengaluru highway over child rape-murder; traffic disrupted
Hundreds blocked the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune, causing about four hours of traffic disruption. The victim's family and demonstrators placed the body on the road at Navale Bridge, and later the victim's last rites were held amid police security. The accused was arrested based on CCTV and remanded until May 7; Maharashtra leaders pledged fast-track action and stricter punishment.
Why It Matters
The event underscores public outrage over child violence and pressure on authorities to expedite investigations and trials, including calls for the death penalty in this case.
Timeline
5 Events
Accused remanded in police custody till May 7
May 3, 2026
The 65-year-old accused, who works as a labourer and has a criminal record, was arrested based on CCTV footage and remanded in police custody till May 7.
Last rites performed for the girl at Vaikunt crematorium
May 3, 2026
The victim's last rites were performed at the Vaikunt crematorium in Pune shortly after midnight, amid tight police security.
Deputy Chief Minister directs fast-track investigation and pursuit of death penalty
May 2, 2026
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed Pune rural police to gather concrete evidence to build a watertight case and conduct the trial in a fast-track court, with efforts to ensure the accused receives the death penalty.
Deputy Chief Minister meets family; pledges fast-track action
May 2, 2026
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar met the victim's family, describing the incident as shocking and vowing strict action and a fast-track trial. She spoke with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to seek a fast-track court trial.
Protest blocks Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune; body placed at Navale Bridge
May 2, 2026
Hundreds blocked the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway in Pune, disrupting traffic for about four hours. The victim's family and other demonstrators placed the girl's body on the road in the Navale Bridge area on Saturday evening and demanded stringent punishment for the 65-year-old man arrested in the case.