Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has assured that action in the rape of a 9-year-old girl in Dachepalli, Guntur district.

“Infuriated to hear about the rape of a 9 year-old girl in Dachepalli, Guntur district. Have instructed the IG and district SP to immediately take strict action against the culprit, and provide support to the victim’s family,” the CM announced on his official Twitter handle.

Infuriated to hear about the rape of a 9 year-old girl in Dachepalli, Guntur district. Have instructed the IG and district SP to immediately take strict action against the culprit, and provide support to the victim’s family.

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) May 4, 2018

Reports say that the CM has also announced a cash reward for anyone who could share information on the accused, who is absconding.

Protests broke out in many parts of Guntur on Thursday over the rape of the girl allegedly by a 50-year-old rickshaw puller identified as Subbaiah on Wednesday night.

The accused reportedly lured the girl with toffees before raping her. He then dropped her back while threatening her to remain quiet.

The bleeding child was spotted by her mother. She was taken for treatment, where the doctor confirmed the sexual assault.

As the protests intensified on Friday, the police reportedly claimed that the accused, who they suspect to be of unsound mind, may have committed suicide.

“The 50-year-old rickshaw puller was seen heading towards Krishna river and reportedly told a man that he wants to end his life,” Director General of Police M Malakondaiah said.

Angry protesters blocked Addanki-Narketpally highway demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. Some demanded that he be hanged in public.

A few buses were reportedly damaged as the protesters continued to vent their anger. Shops were downed in the city as a mark of protest.

The police tried to control the situation, which they managed to do after some tough moments. The protesters, however, damaged the house of the accused.

The accused had been booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which was amended last month by the Central government to prescribe capital punishment for the rapists of children younger than 12.

The police have formed 17 special teams to find and arrest the accused.

Andhra Pradesh ministers P Pulla Rao and N Anand Babu and Guntur Collector Kona Sasidhar visited the hospital where the victim is being treated and promised all assistance to the girl’s family.