Police Use ‘Mild Force’ to Clear Navale Bridge Protest After Nasrapur Minor’s Murder
Pune : Public outrage escalated in Pune after police resorted to what they termed “mild force” to disperse protesters blocking the Mumbai–Bengaluru highway near Navale Bridge, following the brutal rape and murder of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Nasrapur village of Bhor taluka.
Issuing a detailed clarification on Sunday, Pune City Police said the action came after a section of protesters refused to vacate the highway despite repeated appeals and assurances. The clarification follows a viral video showing a lathi charge during the protest.
According to police, the incident occurred on May 1 when the child, who had been visiting her grandmother for summer holidays, was allegedly lured by a 65-year-old labourer, identified as Bhimrao Kamble. He reportedly took her to a cattle shed, sexually assaulted her and later killed her by crushing her head with a stone. The accused, who has a prior criminal record, was arrested promptly based on CCTV evidence and booked under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The gruesome crime sparked widespread anger. On May 2, hundreds of citizens, including the victim’s family, staged a blockade on the busy highway, placing the child’s body on the road and demanding the death penalty and swift justice. The protest led to a traffic jam stretching over 15 kilometres and lasting more than four hours.
Police said they were in continuous dialogue with the victim’s family, who later agreed to call off the protest after receiving written assurances from the administration. The family was subsequently escorted under police protection to Vaikunth crematorium for the last rites.
However, a large crowd remained at the protest site, with some individuals refusing to disperse, prompting police to intervene to restore traffic movement. Officials maintained that only minimal force was used to clear the road and prevent further disruption on the key national highway.
The blockade, police said, caused significant inconvenience to thousands of commuters, including emergency services. Authorities added that the situation was handled with restraint and caution.
Police have assured that the investigation is being conducted with sensitivity and urgency, and that all efforts are being made to ensure strict punishment for the accused at the earliest.
