Nirmal rape: TRS leader Sajid Khan, two accomplices held

Nirmal: Police have arrested Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader and vice chairman of Nirmal municipality Sajid Khan for allegedly raping a class VIII student. The team also arrested two others who abetted the crime. They have been identified as Yellati Annapurna, who facilitated Sajid Khan's meeting with the victim, and car driver Jaffar Khan.

A massive manhunt was launched to arrest Sajid Khan after he allegedly raped a Class VIII student. Sajid Khan was suspended from the party after police booked him for sexual assault.

According to the police, Yellati Annapurna facilitated Sajid Khan's meeting with the victim. Annapurna is the neighbor of the girl. She had told the victim that they are going to Nizamabad for a function.

"However, Annapurna, Sajid Khan, a driver took her to a hotel in Hyderabad. Later Sajid Khan allegedly raped her," Praveen said. He said Sajid Khan had promised a flat or land plot to Annapurna.

"Sajid Khan later took the girl to different places and committed the crime. He later threatened her against disclosing the incident," he said.

The incident only came to light when the girl confided to her parents about the incident. "The parents first reached out to an NGO which directed them to file a police complaint," the SP said. He said the complaint was filed on Saturday night against Annapurna, Sajid Khan, and the driver.

"As per our knowledge, none of the accused have any previous criminal record," Praveen said.

A case was registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act and 376 (ii) (rape) of the Indian Penal Code against Sajid. Meanwhile, the victim has been sent to Sakhi Centre for counseling.