509 days on, Sangli child rape-murder case awaits verdict; Nasrapur speed brings focus back on delay

Kolhapur: Even as a fast-tracked verdict in the Nasrapur toddler rape-murder case has highlighted the possibility of swift justice, the family of a four-year-old victim from Karajgi in Sangli’s Jat tehsil continues to wait — 509 days after the crime — for closure, despite repeated assurances and opposition MLAs and MP raising the issue in the state assembly and Parliament.The case, which sparked protests across Jat, Sangli and other parts of Maharashtra demanding capital punishment for the 45-year-old accused, is yet to reach its logical conclusion over a year after the brutal assault and murder.Officials said the trial has now reached its final stage. “The trial of the case was first held before a regular court, and then, since past six months, it had been tried before a court hearing matters related to Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.

The final arguments have been completed. An application of one last witness was allowed on Monday. The matter is kept for July 7 for next hearing. We believe the final judgement in this case will be pronounced by mid-July,” said Pramod Bhokare, the district govt pleader in Sangli.The delays stand in stark contrast to the Nasrapur case, where a similar crime saw a swift investigation and trial, reigniting demands for timelines in such cases.

According to the prosecution, the accused lured the child — left at home with her grandmother while her parents, both daily wage workers, were at work — with the promise of sweets. “The grandmother and uncle of the victim are witnesses. The body of the victim was found hidden in a trunk inside the house of the accused, the accused has not denied that the house belongs to him,” Bhokare said. He added that the accused had faced earlier allegations of sexual harassment but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.The prosecution has sought the death penalty, citing strong evidence. “Govt has sought capital punishment for the accused as there are evidences such as matching of DNA samples, witnesses who saw him with the girl to get the strictest possible punishment,” the govt lawyer said.Sangli superintendent of police Tushar Doshi confirmed that the trial is nearing completion. “The final arguments are done and soon the verdict will come,” he said.Earlier, guardian minister Chandrakant Patil had announced that govt would push for a fast-track hearing to ensure speedy justice, but progress remained slow, raising concerns over systemic delays in Pocso cases.SOP for trail and punishment in 100 days soon: State child rights panel chiefThe contrast has now prompted policy-level discussions. Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairman Sanjay Puranik said the Nasrapur case has triggered a review of pending cases.

“After the Nasrapur incident, we have sought details of Pocso cases, stages of pendencies, and reasons for pendencies from the state home department. Also, we are consulting the officers who have handled maximum Pocso cases and ensured 60-70% conviction so that we can make a standard operating protocol to be followed to get the justice in 100 days,” he said.Citing the Nasrapur timeline, he added, “In Nasrapur case, justice was delivered in 56 cases. Similarly, other cases should get speedy trials and dedicatad workforce to ensure justice is done. Soon we will declare the SOP.”For the Karajgi victim’s family, however, the promise of reform comes after a long wait, one that has come to symbolise the gap between assurances of swift justice and the reality on the ground.