Death sentence pronounced for three guilty in Kopardi rape-murder case

More than 16 months after the brutal rape-murder of a minor girl in the remote village of Kopardi in Ahmednagar sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, a special court on Wednesday pronounced the death sentence to the three accused.

The tension was palpable in the courtroom as the three accused – Jitendra Shinde (25), Santosh Bhaval (36) and Nitin Bhailume (26) were produced. All three stood with impassive faces as Additional Special Judge Suvarna Kevale awarded the death sentence to each of



them.

The proceedings began at around 11:25 a.m. as the district and the State awaited the quantum of sentence. A massive crowd gathered outside the court, amid a massive security shield.

A roar was heard outside the courtroom after the sentencing was passed.

"I had full confidence in the court and knew that justice would be served...we have waited every single day for nearly one-and-a-half years for this judgement," said the victim's father.