Sarpanch's Husband Faces POCSO Charges for Alleged Sexual Assault of Minor in Mulugu
In a disturbing incident from Mulugu district, local police have taken decisive action by registering a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the husband of a village sarpanch. The accused is alleged to have sexually assaulted a 17-year-old minor girl, with the case officially filed on Thursday following a complaint from the survivor's parents.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Police Response
According to police officials, the incident occurred on February 23, but it only came to light recently when the minor's family approached authorities. The accused, identified as a 27-year-old man from the same mandal who works at a private firm, is currently absconding. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend him as investigations proceed.
Police Statement: "We have booked a case and started investigation. The accused is currently absconding, but we have launched a manhunt for him," stated a police official, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
Background and Circumstances Leading to the Crime
The case unfolded under troubling circumstances. The parents of the minor girl, both daily wage laborers, had sought the accused's help to counsel their daughter. She had dropped out after her first year of Intermediate, causing concern for her future. Exploiting this trust, the accused visited the survivor at her home when her parents were at work.
Official Account: "Since he is the sarpanch's husband, the parents of the minor approached him requesting him to counsel the minor girl. She had dropped out after her first year of Intermediate and the parents were worried," explained the police official. "The accused subsequently visited the survivor at her house, when her parents were at work. He entered under the pretext of counselling her and then allegedly sexually assaulted her when he realised she was alone."
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
After the assault, the survivor confided in her parents, who initially approached village elders to report the incident. When no satisfactory action was taken, they escalated the matter by lodging a formal police complaint on Thursday. The police have assured a thorough investigation, with the case now under the POCSO Act, which mandates stringent penalties for crimes against minors.
Community Impact: This incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting vulnerabilities and the need for vigilance in protecting children. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
(In adherence to Supreme Court directives, the identity of the victim has been withheld to protect her privacy in this sensitive case related to sexual assault.)
