Nagpur, May 2 -- Former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh on Saturday called for capital punishment for the accused arrested in the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune district.
The incident, reported from a village in Bhor taluka, involves a 65-year-old suspect who allegedly lured the child with food, took her to a cattle shed, sexually assaulted her and later killed her.
Describing the crime as "deeply shocking and reprehensible," Deshmukh said that such an incident occurring on Maharashtra Day brings disrepute to the state.
He urged authorities to ensure a swift trial in a fast-track court and sought immediate execution of the accused upon conviction.
The senior leader also alleged that prelimina...