Gorhe Demands Fast-Track Trial for Bhandara Minor’s Rape Case Neelam Gorhe, the Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council and a prominent Shiv Sena leader, has called for the strictest punishment for the accused in the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Bhandara district. Describing the incident as a "stain on humanity," she emphasized the need for a rapid trial, thorough investigation, and swift legal action to ensure the perpetrator faces the maximum penalty. The case, which has sparked outrage, involves an 18-year-old accused, Ishwar Kudegave, who allegedly lured three minors, including the victim, into his car under false pretenses and subjected the 11-year-old to sexual assault in a remote forest area. The incident occurred on March 18 in Lakhandur taluka, Bhandara district. According to police reports, Kudegave approached the girls, promising a drive, and took them to a secluded location. There, he allegedly raped the 11-year-old while the other two minors were present. When the victims attempted to resist and call for help, Kudegave reportedly threatened them with violence, warning them to remain silent. The police have filed charges against Kudegave under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and relevant sections of the Bombay Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (BNS). Gorhe urged the Bhandara police commissioner, Nurool Hasan, and the inspector general of police for Nagpur Range, Sandip Patil, to expedite the trial process in a special court. She emphasized the importance of filing a comprehensive chargesheet promptly to prevent the accused from being granted bail on technicalities. Additionally, she called for the victim to receive immediate medical care and psychological counseling.#shiv_sena #maharashtra_legislative_council #neelam_gorhe #bhandara_district #ishwar_kudegave
