Why our children are still not safe: Pune’s twin horrors expose a system that reacts, but rarely protects

The back-to-back rape and murder of two young children in Pune has once again raised urgent questions about child safety in India.

In one case, a three-year-old boy was raped and murdered, his body later recovered from a suitcase, with a minor accused arrested while attempting to flee. In another incident, a 4-year-old girl was raped and killed by a 65-year-old man with a prior record of criminal offences, triggering protests and a highway blockade.

These are not isolated crimes. They reflect a pattern that official data has consistently highlighted.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Maharashtra recorded over 22,000 crimes against children in 2023, averaging more than 60 cases a day. At the national level, the crime rate against children stands at 17.4 per lakh population.

Sexual violence forms a significant share of these cases. NCRB data shows that in a majority of rape cases, the accused is known to the victim, often from the same locality or social environment.

The Pune cases reflect this reality. Both crimes occurred in familiar settings, involving individuals who had access and opportunity.

One of the most concerning aspects is the issue of repeat offenders. In one case, the accused reportedly had a prior record, raising questions about the lack of effective monitoring systems for individuals with histories of serious offences.

India has stringent laws, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Arrests in both cases were swift, but enforcement challenges remain.

Data indicates a gap between cases registered and convictions secured, with delays in investigation and trial affecting outcomes. This weakens deterrence and prolongs justice.

Public anger, as seen in Pune where protesters blocked a major highway, often leads to immediate administrative action, including promises of fast-track trials and strict punishment.

However, such responses come after the crime.

The deeper issue lies in prevention. Limited community-level monitoring, weak early-warning mechanisms, and gaps in local policing continue to leave children vulnerable.

The Pune cases underline a broader reality which is child safety in India remains inconsistent and situational rather than systemic.

Until systems prioritise prevention, strengthen monitoring of offenders, and ensure faster and more reliable justice, such incidents are likely to continue, each one triggering outrage but not necessarily lasting change.