3 get death sentence for rape, murder of Pune techie in 2009

A local court on Tuesday sentenced to death three accused for raping and murdering Pune techie — Nayna Pujari — almost eight years ago.

An accused, who turned approver, has been released.

Pujari, who worked at an IT firm, was kidnapped on October 7, 2009 evening from Kharadi bypass, while returning home. Her body was recovered two days later from Zarewadi forest area in Pune district.

The court described the crime as “rarest of the rare” and “heinous”. It observed that strong signal needed to be sent to the society as women’s safety and self-esteem was involved in the case. Special Sessions Judge LL Yenkar pronounced the punishment after hearing both the sides for more than six hours. Advocate BS Aalur, who represented the accused, said he would appeal in the high court.

The hearing was delayed all this while as the main accused, Yogesh Raut, escaped from police custody and was absconding for 18 months.

The three accused — Raut, Mahesh Balasaheb Thakur and Vishwas Hindurao Kadam — did not show any sign of remorse in the court . Pujari’s family members were seen relieved after the punishment.

All the three accused were held guilty on Monday for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, robbery, gang rape and murder. They were also charged with destroying the evidence but the court did not hold the charge.

The court asked the three accused to submit their say when the court proceeding began in the morning. Raut said he has been implicated. Admitting that an Indica car, used in the crime, belonged to him, Raut said it was not in his possession on the day of crime and was being used by Rajesh Choudhari, the approver.

Raut pleaded court to consider that he was the breadwinner in his family. “I stay with wife, a daughter and mother. Please consider my family while deciding the punishment,” he said.

While another Thakur did not say anything in the court, the third accused, Kadam, demanded Rajesh Choudhary be punished for his involvement.