Pune: The trial in the gruesome murder of a 13-year-old national Kabaddi player from Bibwewadi took a critical turn when the complainant identified the primary accused, Shubham alias Rishikesh Bhagwat, in court.

The incident, which occurred in October 2021, shocked the state due to its brutality and motive of one-sided love.

The testimony was recorded in the court of Sessions Judge S. R. Salunkhe on Friday (December 7). The complainant stated, “This is the person who slit our friend’s throat.” Special Public Prosecutor Adv. Hemant Zanzad presented the evidence in court.

According to the prosecution, the victim, a promising Kabaddi player, was attacked while practicing in the Bibwewadi area. The accused, Shubham Bhagwat, accompanied by two associates, arrived at the location on a motorcycle.

Bhagwat approached the victim and attempted to speak with her. When she questioned his presence, Bhagwat and his accomplices launched a violent assault.

Bhagwat attacked her with a knife, followed by his associates. Despite her cries for help, the attackers continued their assault, stabbing her a total of 42 times.

To prevent any intervention, Bhagwat threatened her with a pistol before fleeing the scene after confirming she had succumbed to her injuries.

During the proceedings, Bhagwat appeared via video conferencing from Yerawada Jail. The court learned that the incident, driven by unrequited love, had sparked outrage across the state. The matter was also raised in the state legislature.

The Bibwewadi Police had registered a case against Shubham Bajirao Bhagwat (22) for murder and issuing death threats. The trial is currently underway, with the prosecution presenting key evidence and witness testimonies.