“My Foot Slipped, Her Head Hit the Ground by Accident,” Claims Nasrapur Accused Bhimrao Kamble in Court

Pune, June 20: The fast-track trial in the shocking sexual assault and murder case of a minor girl from Nasrapur in Pune district has reached its final stage, with final arguments scheduled to be heard on Saturday. The case has drawn statewide attention and has become one of the fastest-moving trials in recent judicial history.

During a hearing before Special Judge S.R. Salunkhe on Friday, the main accused, 65-year-old Bhimrao Kamble, made a startling statement while recording his testimony under Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

Kamble claimed that on the day of the incident, he had gone to a shed near a cowshed after visiting a temple. According to him, the child arrived there, and while he was taking her towards the cowshed, he slipped, causing the girl to suffer a head injury. He further alleged that he laid her on a cot and left the spot because he feared people would suspect him. He later claimed to have gone and sat near the Kalubai Temple.

The accused declined to present any witnesses or evidence in his defence.

CCTV Evidence Weakens Defence

During questioning, the court explained the evidence of all 55 witnesses and asked the accused 88 questions in simple Marathi. Initially, Kamble denied appearing in the CCTV footage. However, after the court repeatedly zoomed in on the footage and displayed it several times, he admitted that the person seen in the video was indeed him.

Despite acknowledging his presence in the footage, Kamble attempted to distance himself from the victim by claiming he did not know who the girl accompanying him was.

DNA and Forensic Evidence Strengthen Prosecution’s Case

Special Public Prosecutor Adv. Ajay Misar informed the court that forensic and DNA evidence strongly implicates the accused. According to the prosecution, DNA traces matching Kamble were found on the victim’s body, private parts, and on a cloth stuffed into her mouth.

The prosecution argued that the scientific evidence conclusively establishes the accused’s involvement in the brutal crime committed on May 1, when the minor girl had come to her grandmother’s house for summer vacation.

One of the Fastest Trials in Recent Memory

The case has been notable for the speed of its proceedings. Since the registration of the offence, testimonies of 55 witnesses have been recorded within just 16 days, making it one of the fastest trials in recent judicial history.

Special Public Prosecutors Adv. Ajay Misar, Adv. Suresh Gaikwad, and Adv. Prathamesh Shingane, appointed by the state government, are representing the prosecution. Senior advocate Himmatrao Suryawanshi is appearing for the defence.

With final arguments set to conclude on Saturday, the entire state is closely watching the proceedings as the court moves towards delivering its verdict in the high-profile case.