Death Sentence for Vijay Khairnar in Malegaon Minor's Murder

In a significant legal development, a fast-track court in Maharashtra has sentenced Vijay Khairnar to death for the heinous crime of raping and murdering a four-and-a-half-year-old girl. The verdict was delivered nearly 11 months after the tragic incident, which took place in Dongrale village, Malegaon taluka, on November 16, 2025. The court characterized the case as one of the 'rarest of the rare' crimes, reflecting the severity of the offense and the outrage it provoked across the state.

The background of this case reveals a disturbing sequence of events. On the evening of the incident, the young girl went missing, prompting her parents to initiate a frantic search. Tragically, her body was later discovered in a nullah near a mobile tower. Investigators determined that Khairnar, then 24 years old, had lured the child with chocolate before committing the assault and murder. The prosecution's case was bolstered by the examination of 24 witnesses during the trial.

Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam emphasized that the court's decision to impose the death penalty was influenced by the gravity of the crime and the circumstantial evidence linking Khairnar to the act. He noted that the court did not take into account the convict's poverty or illiteracy when determining the sentence. The judgment, which spans 225 pages, meticulously outlines the evidence and rationale behind the severe punishment.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond the individual case. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who oversees the Home portfolio, has been vocal about the need for stringent action against such crimes. Following the incident, he ordered that the accused be swiftly brought to justice. The police responded by filing a comprehensive 425-page charge sheet within just 23 days. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a financial assistance package of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's family, highlighting the state's commitment to supporting those affected by such tragedies.

This case is particularly notable as it marks the second instance in recent months where a court in Maharashtra has handed down the death penalty for the rape and murder of a minor. Earlier this year, on June 24, a special fast-track court in Pune sentenced Bhimrao Kamble to death for the rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Nasrapur village. These cases underscore a growing judicial response to violent crimes against children in the region, reflecting a societal demand for justice and accountability.