Pioneer in short
SIT in Pune minor rape, murder case
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the alleged rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune district, Maharashtra, triggering widespread outrage and protests. A 65-year-old man with a criminal record has been arrested for the crime, which police said occurred in a village in Bhor tehsil on Friday. The accused allegedly lured the child with food, assaulted her in a cattle enclosure, and killed her with a stone. He has been remanded to police custody till May 7. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Government would seek the death penalty and fast-track the trial to ensure justice swiftly. The SIT, comprising six officers including two women, will conduct a thorough probe, police said.
The incident sparked road blockades, including a protest on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway. Political leaders across parties visited the family, while the victim’s father urged them to stay away until justice is delivered. Opposition leaders criticised the Government over law and order. Anil Deshmukh called for the immediate implementation of the Shakti Act, which provides stringent punishment, including the death penalty, in such cases.
Nicobar Project: Rahul sparks row
The Congress on Sunday raised detailed concerns over the proposed Great Nicobar Island development project, citing ecological risks, tribal rights issues, lack of transparency, and security implications, and demanded a parliamentary debate. In a statement, party leader Jairam Ramesh alleged the Government was in “damage control mode” following Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Great Nicobar, where he termed the project a major threat to natural and tribal heritage. The Centre, however, has described the project as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening India’s presence in the Andaman Sea while ensuring environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous communities. Ramesh questioned these claims, highlighting the ecological sensitivity of areas like Galathea Bay, a key habitat for coral colonies and nesting grounds for the Giant Leatherback turtle.
He also alleged conflicts of interest in environmental clearances and criticised the lack of public disclosure of key reports. On tribal concerns, he said the Nicobarese community had raised objections over land and forest rights, while consent from the Shompen tribe remained unclear. The Congress further flagged concerns over projected infrastructure scale and security linkages, asserting that all issues surrounding the project warrant thorough parliamentary scrutiny.
