Pune witnessed a massive silent march on Sunday to demand a strict punishment for accuse in assault on a minor girl in Nasrapur. The peaceful protest was jointly organized by Pune citizens and several social organizations, with large participation from women, youth, activists, and the victim’s family members.
The march began from Bal Gandharva Chowk and concluded near the Swatantryaveer Savarkar Memorial in Deccan. Participants wore black bands on their arms and carried placards demanding justice for the child. Slogans calling for strict punishment for the accused and better safety for women and children were prominently displayed throughout the march.
Many women participating in the protest said society does not just need schemes for women, but a secure environment where girls can live without fear. Protesters maintained silence during the rally as a mark of solidarity with the victim and her family.
Several well-known personalities, including actors Pravin Tarde, Vishwajit Deshpande, Mrunal Kulkarni, Shefali Vaidya, along with social activists and political representatives, joined the march in support of the victim.
The victim’s father said the march was not organized against any individual or political group, but to show that society is still sensitive to such crimes. He said people had gathered not only for his daughter, but for justice for every victim of similar crimes.
He also urged the government to create a safer environment for children and ensure such protests never turn violent in the future.
At the end of the march, protesters symbolically condemned the crime and renewed their demand for the harshest possible punishment for the accused.