Pune, 27th June 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said the state government will seek the death penalty for the convict in the Nasrapur minor rape and murder case after the court found the accused guilty.
He credited the conviction to the scientific investigation conducted by the police and the strong presentation of evidence by the prosecution.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the headquarters of the Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) in Pune, Fadnavis said the police carried out a thorough and evidence-based investigation, while government lawyers effectively argued the case before the court. He expressed confidence that the court would consider the government's plea for capital punishment.
"The police conducted a scientific investigation and presented strong evidence before the court. The prosecution also argued the case effectively. The court has now held the accused guilty, and the government's stand is that such a heinous offender should receive the death penalty. The court completed the trial in record time, even during the vacation period, setting an example that justice in serious crimes can be delivered without unnecessary delay," Fadnavis said.
Commenting on the recent Lohagad murder case, the Chief Minister described the incident as shocking and said it raised serious social concerns. He said it was important to understand why educated young people from respectable families were driven to commit such violent crimes.
"This is not just a criminal issue but also a social one. We need to examine the reasons that lead to such extreme acts and build a stronger social support system to prevent similar incidents in the future," he said.
During his visit, Fadnavis paid tribute to Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, reviewed various departments and initiatives at the SARTHI headquarters, and assured that the proposals submitted by the institute to the state government would receive due consideration.
