TDP leader held for rape attempt on school girl

A TDP leader in Andhra Pradesh has been arrested under the POCSO Act for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a school-going girl studying in the state-run residential school in Tuni, police said on Wednesday.

The minor girl was apparently lured by Tatik Narayan Rao, posing as her grandfather. As the video shot by a witness went viral and the Opposition raised a hue and cry, the authorities swung into action and arrested Rao.

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HRD minister Nara Lokesh promised stern action against the perpetrator, counselling for the victim and robust security in Gurukul schools and welfare hostels.

According to police, Rao took the girl to an orchard at the outskirts of Tuni and molested the girl. The orchard owner, however, noticed them and confronted the TDP leader. He also recorded the confrontation on the phone following which Rao fled the scene, the video of which went viral. The administration soon swung into action and arrested him.

“The girl and her mother have given their statements, and a case has been registered under the POCSO Act,” said DSP Srihari Raju.

HRD minister Nara Lokesh also promised stern action against the perpetrator. “I was shocked to learn that a pervert named Tatika Narayana Rao attempted to rape a student from Tuni Rural Gurukul School. Immediately upon learning the details of the incident, the police registered a POCSO case against him and arrested him. Whoever is involved in such incidents will be dealt with sternly.

“We will provide counselling to the victim girl to keep her courageous and offer all kinds of help and support. Orders have been issued to the administrative machinery to provide foolproof security to the students studying in Gurukul Schools and welfare hostels.”

The YSRCP, however, alleged that the accused – a TDP member- was being protected by the ruling coalition.

YSRCP MLC Varudu Kalyani said there was political pressure on the police and the whistleblower in the case has been implicated as well. “It is shameful that in a state with a woman home minister, there is no safety for women.”

She added that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan‘s own district had turned into a symbol of lawlessness. The YSRCP also posted photographs of the accused with TDP leaders and at party programmes on social media to as evidence of his link to the ruling party.