Nashik: Three-year-old girl murdered after sexual assault in Malegaon
Nashik: Three-year-old girl murdered after sexual assault in Malegaon
Malegaon (Nashik), Nov 18 (UNI): A three-year-old girl was found murdered after an alleged sexual assault in Dongrale village of Malegaon taluka on Sunday evening, sparking outrage across the region. Police have detained a youth for questioning in connection with the incident, officials said on Monday.
Preliminary investigations have identified the accused as Shekhar Sanjay Khairnar, a local carpenter from the village. Authorities allege that Khairnar lured the child to an isolated spot near a mobile tower on the village outskirts by offering her chocolates. Police sources suggest that after assaulting the minor, he killed her by crushing her with a stone after nightfall. The body bore multiple injuries, and early medical observations indicate possible strangulation.
Personnel from the Malegaon police station, including Inspector Pritam Kumar Choudhary and Assistant Inspector Preeti Sawanji, reached the scene immediately after being informed. The child’s body was later taken to the local primary health centre for postmortem examination.
The incident triggered widespread anger among villagers, many of whom gathered at the site demanding that the accused be handed over to them. Police intervened swiftly and took Khairnar into custody. According to officials, he has made an initial confession. Protests have continued in the area, with community members demanding capital punishment for the accused.
As of Monday morning, the victim’s family refused to claim the body, insisting that authorities ensure the death penalty for the perpetrator. Police are in talks with the grieving family while further investigation into the case continues.
