Political Figure Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault on 13-Year-Old Girl in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad:

A significant controversy has emerged in the Tuni constituency of Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, following the arrest of Narayana Rao, reportedly connected to a political organization, for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a minor at Jagannadhagiri Gurukulam residential school.

The incident has sparked widespread indignation, with the victim's family, local residents, and Dalit community representatives organizing a substantial demonstration. They are calling for swift justice and the dismissal of the school principal for failing to exercise proper supervision.

Protesters and family members are urging Home Minister Anitha to personally oversee the investigation to ensure prompt justice.

The alleged involvement of a Dalit leader has promptly elicited strong reactions from both government and opposition parties.

TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh quickly denounced the act, expressing shock and calling for rigorous punishment for the perpetrator.

In his official statement, Lokesh declared, "We stand firmly with the victim's family. We will ensure that the guilty are punished severely. I urge officials to take strong measures to ensure the safety of students, especially girls, studying in Gurukul schools, hostels, and government institutions."

He confirmed that law enforcement has registered a case under the POCSO Act, designed to protect children from sexual offenses, and have detained the accused.

Lokesh also advocated for enhanced monitoring systems and security protocols in educational institutions to prevent such distressing incidents in the future.

The YSR Congress rapidly mobilized support for the survivor's family. Leaders from the party's women's wing immediately visited the demonstration site to offer solidarity and advocate for action.

The YSRCP's official account on X shared a powerful message condemning the incident, expressing solidarity with the girl's family and insisting that the guilty must face the most severe punishment possible.

The survivor - a 13-year-old eighth-grade student - was allegedly lured away from the school grounds by Narayana Rao, who is in his sixties.

Witnesses report that Rao had gained the child's trust through deception, even convincing her that he was her grandfather.

The accused allegedly escorted the girl to a garden on the outskirts of Tuni, where he attempted the assault. A video has emerged showing a man confronting Rao, questioning why he had brought the young girl to the secluded area and why he had instructed her to remove her clothing.

Enraged villagers and the girl's relatives confronted Rao, physically assaulted him, and subsequently turned him over to authorities.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed Narayana Rao's arrest and stated that a case has been filed under the POCSO Act, along with serious charges related to kidnapping and sexual assault.

A senior police officer addressed the media, acknowledging the procedural failure at the school, which is under investigation. The officer emphasized that the matter should not be politicized, requesting political parties and activists to refrain from using the incident to provoke hostility. The officer also issued a stern warning against sharing the victim's identity or videos, which constitutes a punishable offense under the POCSO Act.

The incident has raised critical questions regarding the security and oversight standards at Jagannadhagiri Gurukulam, particularly after a teacher revealed she had previously denied Rao permission to remove the student from school premises.