Hydhrabad /Kothagudem, July 15: THE JOURNALIST POST : Acting on a complaint filed by the family of a minor girl, Bhadradri Kothagudem police have arrested four persons in connection with an alleged sexual assault case involving a minor. Police said efforts are underway to apprehend two other suspects who are currently absconding.
According to information disclosed by police during a press briefing, the main accused, identified as Mari Ramakrishna of Garibpet, allegedly gained the trust of the minor girl under the pretext of love. Police stated that on July 3, he, along with the assistance of Jale Naveen and Ganesh, allegedly took the victim in an auto-rickshaw to a room belonging to Venkatesh in the Old Depot area, where the first incident reportedly occurred.
During the course of the investigation, police found that other accused allegedly assaulted the victim on subsequent dates. Officials stated that Kalakuntla Vijender allegedly assaulted the victim on July 4, while Badeti Mahesh allegedly committed a similar offence on July 5.
The victim reportedly informed her mother about the incidents on July 11. Based on the complaint lodged the same day at the Kothagudem 2nd Town Police Station, a case was registered and an investigation was launched immediately.
Under the supervision of Kothagudem SDPO L. Adinarayana, police teams conducted an intensive inquiry and arrested Mari Ramakrishna, Kalakuntla Vijender, Badeti Mahesh, and Jale Naveen on July 15. During the operation, police seized three auto-rickshaws and three mobile phones believed to be connected to the case.
Police said the case has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Officials further stated that efforts are continuing to trace and arrest the remaining suspects. Speaking during the press meet, SDPO L. Adinarayana appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding the safety of children and to immediately report any suspicious incidents. Citizens can seek assistance through the Child Helpline at 1098 or contact police emergency services by dialing 100.
As the victim is a minor, her identity and any information that could lead to her identification have been withheld in accordance with legal provisions protecting child victims of sexual offences.
