The state of Andhra Pradesh has witnessed two horrific rapes within a single week.
The Kurnool police on Saturday arrested a 40-year-old shop-owner in Andhra Pradesh after he allegedly raped a 11-year-old mentally ill girl in Revanur mandal.
According to the police and victim’s family, the incident occurred on April 23.
However, the case was registered on April 26 after the family of the victim approached the police.
According to a family member who spoke to TNM, the girl went to a local shop where she was lured into the accused’s house and allegedly raped.
The accused has been identified as Subbaiah, who activists say was also a local pastor.
The minor was traumatised by the incident and didn't tell her family about the assault. The family said that they learnt about what had happened after the minor’s physical condition began deteriorating.
The police has since arrested the accused and sent him to judicial remand.
Speaking to TNM, Special Branch DySP Dr Babu Prasad said, "A case under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 along with the Section 376 (Punishment for rape) of the IPC.”
In another brutal incident earlier this week, a 16-year-old juvenile allegedly raped a woman on April 24 in Guntur district.
According to the police, the boy was a neighbour who was working as a labourer nearby and trespassed into the victim’s house and allegedly raped her. The women was reported to be staying alone, while her child was staying with her husband.
The juvenile also allegedly inserted a stick into her, leaving her with severe injuries, a Sub-Inspector from the Karempudi police station told TNM.
A case has been registered against the juvenile under section 376 (Rape), 450 (House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life), 342 (Wrongful confinement), 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) and 506 (Criminal intimidation) of the IPC.
Human Rights Forum (HRF) activist Jayasree Kakumani demanded justice to the victims said that the accused must be sentenced according to the law.