PUNE, MAHARASHTRA – A wave of shock and grief has gripped Pune following the discovery of a three-year-old girl’s body in a tin shed. Local authorities have arrested a 65-year-old man in connection with the brutal rape and murder of the toddler, ending a frantic search that began when the child was reported missing.

The victim, a resident of a densely populated neighborhood in Pune, went missing late on Tuesday evening, April 28, 2026 while playing near her home. When the child failed to return, her frantic parents alerted the local police, triggering an immediate search operation involving multiple teams and neighborhood volunteers.

The search ended in tragedy on Wednesday morning when investigators followed a lead to a secluded tin shed located on the outskirts of the residential block. Inside, they discovered the lifeless body of the girl hidden under debris.

Following the discovery, the body was sent for an immediate post-mortem examination, and the subsequent medical report confirmed the community's worst fears. Preliminary findings indicate that the cause of death was strangulation, while the forensic report provided evidence of sexual assault prior to the murder.

Consequently, police have registered a formal case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for murder and rape. The investigation quickly focused on a 65-year-old man who lived in the vicinity and was reportedly seen near the child shortly before she vanished.

The 65-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon following the tragic discovery. Police sources indicate that the arrest was supported by CCTV footage and witness statements that placed the man at the crime scene. While the interrogation and investigation remain ongoing, authorities believe the suspect lured the three-year-old girl away from her home by promising her sweets or a toy.

As news of the horrific crime spread, local residents gathered to demand swift justice. Police have increased their presence in the area to maintain order and provide a sense of security to frightened families.

"This is an unimaginable act of depravity," said a senior police official addressing the media. "We are committed to ensuring a fast-track trial to bring the maximum possible punishment to the perpetrator."

The victim’s family is currently receiving support from local NGOs and trauma counselors as they prepare for the child's final rites. The incident has reignited a fierce debate regarding the safety of minors in urban settlements and the need for stricter surveillance in high-risk zones.