Visakhapatnam: In a harrowing incident, a 17-year-old girl fell victim to an alleged gang rape involving two groups comprising a total of 13 individuals in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The distressing events unfolded between December 17 and 19, shedding light on a deeply disturbing crime.
The victim initially faced sexual assault at the hands of her boyfriend and his accomplice. Subsequently, she was subjected to gang rape by a group of 11 individuals, all purportedly affiliated with photography at RB Beach in Visakhapatnam. The shocking details emerged following the filing of a missing person complaint, leading the police to discover the heinous acts.
The investigation, initiated on December 31, resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects, while authorities continue their search for two others believed to be in Jharkhand. The missing case was registered at the Fourth Town police station on December 18, following a complaint from the girl’s father. At the time of the incident, she was employed as a maid in the residence of a government employee who was away on vacation. Alone and responsible for caring for the owners’ pet, she became a vulnerable target.
The victim, located in her native village in Odisha, was brought back to Visakhapatnam, where it took time for her to overcome the shock and disclose the horrifying ordeal. Based on her statement, police registered two cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to the victim’s version, the initial assault occurred at RK Beach when she accompanied her boyfriend and his friend to a lodge on December 17. Devastated by this experience, she sought solace at RK Beach, only to be approached by a beach photographer who, instead of offering help, subjected her to further victimization. The photographer, along with his accomplices, raped her at a lodge, resulting in two days of continuous sexual assault.
Having managed to escape the clutches of her assailants, the victim sought refuge in her native district of Kalahandi in Odisha. She had relocated to Visakhapatnam with her family just nine months prior to the tragic incident.
As the gravity of the situation became apparent, Vasireddy Padma, the Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh State Women’s Commission, wrote to Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Ravi Shankar, urging detailed information on the case. The shocking incident underscores the urgent need for justice and heightened awareness regarding the safety of individuals, particularly vulnerable segments of the population.
