Pune: Sanjay Jeting Reddy, the accused in the shocking Wanawadi case involving the abuse of two minor girls, was presented in court today (October 3) under tight security.
Police personnel were deployed in large numbers outside the court, while the convoy transporting the accused was heavily guarded.
As soon as the court proceedings began, Reddy broke down in tears. The public prosecutor presented the case, stating that both victims are minors, and the crime came to light only after the girls began showing signs of distress. A formal complaint was filed yesterday, following which the accused was arrested late at night.
The prosecutor requested that police custody be extended for further investigation, emphasizing the need for a medical examination of the accused. They also argued that more time was required to uncover the full details of the crime, such as when, where, and why the incidents occurred.
The defense, however, requested the court to grant minimal custody, citing the accused's health condition. They argued that Sanjay Reddy suffers from diabetes and does not need extended custody for investigation. They suggested that one or two days of custody would suffice.
After hearing both sides, the court ordered police custody for Reddy until October 8.
The incident has sparked public outrage in Pune. In an afternoon protest, members of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi vandalized the school van in a show of anger, further heightening tensions in the city.
The case has caused widespread outrage across the state, with Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairperson, Advocate Sushiben Shah, demanding strict action against the accused.
