POCSO Case Suspect Dies By Suicide In Police Custody After Jumping Into Lake In Andhra Pradesh

A 62-year-old man arrested over the sexual assault of a girl in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada district died by suicide late Wednesday. He was in police custody at the time; he was being taken to a local court when he jumped into the Komati Cheruvu lake on the outskirts of the town of Tuni.

The suspect, Tatika Narayana Rao, had requested a bathroom break before making his fatal decision. Rao, reportedly affiliated with a political party, was facing serious charges including violations under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He had been apprehended the previous day following public outrage and intervention.

According to police reports, the 13-year-old survivor, an eighth-grade student, was allegedly deceived by Rao who posed as her grandfather to lure her away from school. He subsequently took her to a public garden. The situation was interrupted when another individual confronted Rao after discovering him hiding the girl in the bushes and attempting to remove her clothing. This bystander promptly alerted authorities.

Law enforcement officials later confirmed Rao's arrest and the filing of a POCSO case. The incident sparked significant political controversy when the victim's parents and members of the Dalit community organized protests demanding justice and calling for the school principal's suspension due to negligence.

Nara Lokesh, a minister in Andhra Pradesh and prominent Telugu Desam Party leader, issued a strong condemnation: "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..."

Meanwhile, the opposition YSR Congress Party, led by former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, mobilized support for the survivor's family through its women's wing. The YSRCP has alleged that Rao was affiliated with the ruling TDP.

A senior police official acknowledged procedural lapses at the school, which are currently under review. The officer urged all political entities to refrain from politicizing the crime or using it to incite hostility. Authorities also warned against sharing any media that might reveal the victim's identity, noting that such actions are punishable under POCSO regulations.

The Andhra Pradesh Women's Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, directing officials to provide protection, medical assistance, and legal support to the girl and her family. The commission has requested a comprehensive report from authorities within 48 hours.

Further details regarding Rao's suicide will only be released following completion of post-mortem examinations and an official inquiry into the custodial death.