Nashik: Malegaon Court Sentences Dongarale Girl’s Murder Convict To Death

Nashik witnessed a significant verdict in a case involving the sexual assault and murder of a four-year-old girl in Dongarale village of Malegaon taluka. On Friday, Oct 16, 2026, a fast-track court in Malegaon sentenced Vijay, known as Shekhar Khairnar, to death. The court also mandated a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the victim’s family. The court deemed the crime to be one of the "rarest of rare" instances, justifying the death penalty. The heinous incident occurred between Nov 16 and 17, 2025, in Dongarale village.

Khairnar lured the young victim using chocolate and subsequently sexually assaulted and murdered her to prevent the crime from being discovered. This tragic event triggered widespread anger among citizens and various organizations in Malegaon and Nashik district, who demanded a harsh sentence for Khairnar. The police promptly began an investigation, and Khairnar was arrested. The police subsequently filed a chargesheet of around 425 pages within 23 days of the incident.

During the trial, the court heard statements from 24 witnesses, comprising police personnel, villagers, members of the victim’s family, and medical officers. The case was presided over by a fast-track court, where the prosecution presented evidence, witness testimonies, and arguments that played a vital role in the proceedings. Ujjwal Nikam, the Special Public Prosecutor representing the state, argued before the court that the gravity of the crime warranted the death penalty, referencing various Supreme Court judgments.

The court also received reports from a probation officer, prison authorities, and a psychiatrist regarding the convict's background. The defense raised objections to certain reports, but after considering all submissions and material, the court ultimately sentenced Khairnar to death.

The verdict marks a significant step towards justice for the victim's family. Apart from the death sentence, the court ordered a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the family. The swift conclusion of the trial, within approximately 10 months, underscores the importance of expediting judicial proceedings in serious crimes involving sexual offenses against children and murder.