A small village in Malegaon tehsil, Nashik district, was rocked by a brutal crime that shook the community and prompted mass protests. A three-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped, raped and murdered in Dongrale village on November 16, 2025. The speed of the arrest, the alleged brutality, and the public anger that followed have made this one of the most closely watched local criminal stories in recent weeks.
What happened — a concise timeline
- November 16, 2025 — The child went missing while playing near her home in Dongrale village. Family members and neighbours launched a search after she failed to return.
- That night — Villagers discovered the child’s body near a mobile-tower compound a short distance from her home; reports say the body showed signs of extreme violence.
- November 17–18, 2025 — Police arrested a 24-year-old local man identified in media reports as Vijay Sanjay Khairnar, who allegedly confessed during interrogation. Police allege he lured the child with a snack and later killed her.
- November 20–21, 2025 — The accused was remanded to police custody; large protests and a bandh (shutdown) erupted across Malegaon and nearby villages, with demonstrators demanding the harshest punishment. Authorities moved to control crowds and shifted some court proceedings to virtual mode amid unrest.
Accused details & police response
Local police identified and arrested the suspect quickly, citing witness statements and forensic leads gathered during the initial hours of investigation. Several outlets report that the accused worked locally and lived in the same village as the victim, which has intensified community anger. Police have sent the body for post-mortem and stated the case will be investigated thoroughly; officials also indicated support for a fast-track trial given the public outcry.
Local reaction and protests
The graphic nature of the crime triggered an intense public reaction. Shops and businesses observed a shutdown; protesters blocked main roads and staged large rallies demanding capital punishment and swift justice. Local political leaders and state officials visited the family, and the State Women’s Commission reportedly assured support. Law-and-order authorities deployed reinforcements to keep proceedings orderly and to prevent mob violence.
Legal next steps
As of the latest reports, the accused has been remanded in custody while police continue forensic work and prepare charge sheets. Given the scale of protests and political attention, authorities have promised expedited court procedures and close monitoring of the investigation. If the prosecution establishes rape and murder charges under Indian law and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) provisions, the case will carry the possibility of the strictest penalties under the law.
FAQs
1. When did the crime occur?
The incident was reported on November 16, 2025 in Dongrale village, Malegaon (Nashik). The missing-person report and subsequent discovery of the body took place on the same day and the following night.
2. How old was the victim?
The victim was a three-year-old girl. Her age and the nature of the crime have intensified public grief and anger.
3. Who is the accused?
Media reports name the accused as Vijay Sanjay Khairnar, a 24-year-old resident of the same village. Authorities assert he was arrested after witness statements and investigative leads pointed to him.
4. Was an arrest made quickly?
Yes — police arrested a suspect within a short time after the body was found. The prompt arrest led to intense local interest in police procedures and forensic handling.
5. What charges are likely?
Police are investigating under murder and sexual-offence statutes, including provisions of the POCSO Act. The formal charges and the details of the charge sheet will be filed by the prosecution after completing forensic reports and medical evidence.
6. Has a post-mortem been done?
The body was sent for post-mortem at the local hospital. Autopsy findings will be central to establishing cause of death and corroborating the investigation's medical evidence.
7. Are there protests?
Yes — large protests and a bandh took place, with demonstrators demanding capital punishment and a speedy legal process. Authorities stepped in to maintain law and order and to prevent escalation.
8. Will this get a fast-track trial?
Officials have publicly supported expedited proceedings given the intensity of public outrage; the court system will determine any formal fast-track designation during the legal process.
9. What protections exist for child victims in India?
The POCSO Act (2012) is designed to protect children from sexual offences and to ensure child-sensitive procedures during investigation and trial. It allows for stringent penalties and provisions to protect the victim’s identity and dignity.
10. How can communities help prevent such crimes?
Improved neighborhood vigilance, child-safety education for families and children, quick reporting of missing persons, effective street-level lighting, and stronger local policing can reduce risks. Community-level awareness and prompt reporting remain key.
11. Where can I find reliable updates?
Reliable updates are generally available from established regional and national media outlets covering Nashik and Maharashtra. For this write-up, external sources have been consolidated; for ongoing developments check local news portals regularly.
Conclusion
The Malegaon tragedy is a harrowing reminder of how vulnerable young children can be and how community trust is shaken when crimes occur close to home. With an arrest made and strong public pressure for justice, the eyes of the district — and many across the state — will be on the investigation and the courts. For families, educators and local leaders, this case underlines the urgent need for community safeguards, rapid reporting mechanisms, and transparent legal follow-through so that justice is both swift and seen to be fair.
Report by Toofan Express