A sessions court in Pune, Maharashtra, on Monday awarded death sentence to Bhimrao Kamble, who was convicted last week of raping and murdering a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Nasirpur.
The court of Special Judge SR Salunkhe, in its judgement, observed that the case fell under the rare category and hence he was charged with “hanging to death”.
Last week, a Special Court for the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) convicted the 65-year-old of the rape and murder of a child, saying that the prosecution had established an “uninterrupted chain of circumstantial and forensic evidence” proving his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution said the case falls within the category of “the rarest cases” and requires the death penalty, citing extreme police brutality and the inhumane nature of the crime.
Despite the conviction, Campbell maintained that he did not commit the crime. “The accused has shown no sign of repentance or possibility of reform. The only appropriate punishment is death,” the court noted, before setting the sentencing date for June 29.
What happened on May 1?
The three-and-a-half-year-old girl was visiting her grandmother’s house during the summer holidays in Nasrapur when Campbell lured her away on May 1, between 3pm and 4pm. He promised her snacks and a newborn calf, then took her to a shed near a livestock pen, where he sexually assaulted and killed her.
The incident sparked widespread public anger, as people took to the streets to protest.
Within 15 days of the crime, the Pune Rural Police filed a chargesheet. The case was also referred for a speedy trial, during which special prosecutor Ajay Misar examined 55 witnesses, including forensic experts, investigating officers, family members and child witnesses who identified the accused during a test identification parade.
Misar cited 12 Supreme Court rulings to say that this case is considered a “rare” case.
The prosecution said the evidence showed the victim’s young age and the protracted nature of the assault. Maysar pointed to autopsy reports indicating that 18 injuries were recorded on the child’s body.
The Pune court accepted the prosecution’s footage, DNA evidence, medical findings, potency test and mental fitness assessment as properly established.
While seeking the death penalty for Campbell, Messar also highlighted the 65-year-old’s alleged criminal history, noting that he had previously been involved in crimes involving a 62-year-old woman, a 17-year-old girl, and an animal.
After the conviction, Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Neelam Gurhe, thanked the judiciary for the speedy trial. She said that the state government had dealt with the matter very seriously from the beginning, and stressed that brutal crimes against underage girls should require the maximum punishment stipulated by law.
