Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh): A 62-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in an orchard in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district, police said on Wednesday.
According to police officials, the accused picked up the girl, a government school student, from her hostel by impersonating her grandfather. Both the accused and the victim belong to the same community and are residents of the Tuni constituency in Kakinada district.
District Superintendent of Police (SP) Bindu Madhav Garikapati said the accused was apprehended around 11 a.m. on Tuesday. “He lured the girl and she went with him, but a minor’s consent is not considered valid. It is technically a case of kidnap and serious sexual assault under the POCSO Act,” told SP Garikapati.
The incident took a disturbing turn after the owner of the orchard reportedly filmed the assault but failed to lodge a complaint. Police said they took suo motu action after learning about the video, recording the girl’s statement and filing an FIR under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police are also considering legal action against the orchard owner for recording and sharing the video, which has since circulated online. Another video clip showed the accused being beaten by the girl’s family members after the crime came to light.
SP Garikapati further revealed that the accused had previously taken the girl out last month, raising concerns about possible prior misconduct.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh condemned the incident, calling it “shocking and unacceptable.” In a post on X, the TDP leader confirmed that a POCSO case had been registered and the accused arrested. “Whoever is involved in such incidents will be dealt with sternly,” he said.
Lokesh added that the victim will receive counselling and full state support, and directed officials to ensure enhanced security in Gurukul schools and welfare hostels across the state.
