Daijiworld Media Network - Edgurallapalli
Edgurallapalli, Jun 22: In a shocking incident, thirteen individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged gangrape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl in Sri Satya district, a crime that reportedly spanned over two years. The horrific details emerged on June 9 when the girl filed a complaint, revealing that she had become pregnant as a result of the assault.
The police have registered a case under multiple sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act. Among those arrested are Achampalli Vardhan (21), Talari Murali (25), Badagorla Nandavardhan Raj (23), Arencheru Nagaraju (51), Boya Sanjeev (40), and Budida Rajanna (49), with additional arrests made on June 10. The main accused remains at large.
Sri Satya Sai district Superintendent of Police (SP) V Ratna stated that the accused were identified and apprehended through coordinated efforts by special teams in the Dharmavaram subdivision. Preliminary investigations revealed that the girl was allegedly blackmailed using inappropriate images and videos by the perpetrators.
Currently, the girl is eight months pregnant and receiving treatment at a government general hospital in Ananthapur district. Due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy, doctors and district officials have decided against an abortion. The police are working with the Child Welfare Committee to ensure the girl’s safety and plan to relocate her after delivery.
A permit has been sought for a DNA test on the unborn child, which will be vital for the ongoing legal proceedings. Some of the arrested individuals have prior criminal records. A police official noted that despite the girl being pregnant for eight months, no one from the local community alerted the authorities, attributing the silence to caste stigma and fear.
There are concerns that some villagers may have pressured the girl into marrying one of the accused to close the case. The girl, a government school student, is currently under investigation to verify her status and any potential lapses by school, health, or child protection officials. Special teams have been formed to apprehend those who are still absconding.
The victim's mother, a laborer, is now facing additional challenges following the death of her husband, which may have made them more vulnerable to community pressure. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody, while the minor has been placed under the Juvenile Justice Board. The district administration has assured the girl's safety, committed to meeting her medical needs, completing legal procedures, and providing psychological support during her recovery.