HYDERABAD: After an FIR was registered against a man, reportedly a close aide of a TDP minister, for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl, the victim and her family have gone missing from March 16, alleged child rights activists at a press conference in Hyderabad.
"We have not been able to locate the girl nor her family since that day," says Achyuta Rao, honorary president, Balala Hakkula Sangham.
On March 12, police registered an FIR against Pasupuleti Narasimha Rao, based on a complaint alleging that he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl who worked as a domestic help at his house.
As the victim belongs to a minority community and is a minor, the case was registered under the relevant sections of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities (POA) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) and section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code.
"The cases registered against him are non bailable but the accused has not been arrested yet. The employment of a minor as a domestic help is itself a crime," said Achyuta Rao.
Narasimha is a TDP party member and a close aide to a minister. The local police have been warned by their senior police officials not to take any action, alleged Achyuta Rao.
After the case was registered, the victim had undergone a medical test that confirmed the sexual assault, Rao said. The child rights group urged CM Chandrababu Naidu and the police to take necessary action against the accused.
"We are ready to take the issue to the high court if needed. It is the State’s responsibility to protect and enable the rights of children," said Rao.