A disturbing incident has emerged from Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district, where a 62-year-old man, arrested on Wednesday for the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, has reportedly died by suicide. The man is said to have jumped into the Komati Cheruvu tank on the outskirts of Tuni while being taken to court for judicial remand late Thursday night.
Police Inspector G Ramakrishna informed reporters that the man’s body was recovered from the tank on Thursday morning. He was arrested the previous evening in connection with an attempted rape case involving a minor. According to Ramakrishna, the accused requested a stop for a toilet break when the police vehicle was halted. It was at this moment that he allegedly jumped into the lake.
The accused, identified as a former municipal councillor, was reportedly filmed assaulting the girl. A video of the alleged incident went viral. When confronted, he allegedly threatened the person filming, invoking his position as a councillor. He was subsequently apprehended by the police, who booked him under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Kakinada Deputy Superintendent of Police Srihari Raju has assured a thorough and swift investigation into the sexual assault case. He stated that the victim and her mother have provided their statements, and a case has been formally registered under the POCSO Act.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation, with State Minister Nara Lokesh expressing shock and pledging strict government action. “Whoever commits such heinous crimes will be crushed with an iron hand,” Lokesh stated, adding that the victim would receive counseling and full support. He also noted that officials have been instructed to enhance the safety of students, particularly in residential schools and welfare hostels.
Public anger has surged following the incident, with calls for accountability from the school administration. Police are currently interrogating school staff and investigating any potential negligence that may have contributed to the situation.
The Andhra Pradesh State Women’s Commission Chairperson, Rayapati Sailaja, has directed officials to take swift and strict action against the accused. The commission has issued a notice to the police, demanding a detailed report on the matter within 48 hours.