13 persons held in Andhra Pradesh for gangrape of 15-year-old Dalit girl for two years

Sri Sathya Sai: A total of 13 persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the gangrape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl for two years in Edgurallapalli, Sri Sathya Sai district.

The horrifying crime came into light after the girl became pregnant, and a complaint was registered on June 9 by her mother.

The victim’s mother is a labourer, and her husband passed away. Police believe their vulnerable situation may have made them more susceptible to community pressure and silence.

The accused have been identified as Achampalli Vardhan (21), Talari Murali (25), Badagorla Nandavardhan Raj (23), Arencheru Nagaraju (51), Boya Sanjeev (40) and Budida Rajanna (49). They were arrested on June 9. Seven others were arrested on June 10, while the main accused is still at large.

According to Sri Sathya Sai district superintendent of police V Ratna, “The preliminary investigation revealed that the girl was blackmailed using her ‘inappropriate images and videos’ by the perpetrators.” She was raped for two years and is now eight months pregnant. Doctors and district officials have decided against an abortion due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy. She is currently receiving treatment at a government general hospital in the Anantapur district.

After her delivery, the Child Welfare Committee has decided to relocate the girl to a safer location.

A case has been registered under several sections, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act and BNS.

As the girl said used to study in a government school, the police are also investigating with the teachers and the school about her absence from school for many months.