17-year-old boy sexually assaults two minor girls in Bhadradri; Caste elders attempt to suppress case

BHADRADRI: A 17-year-old boy from Yellendu, Bhadradri district, allegedly lured three six-year-old girls into a room and sexually assaulted two of them.

The boy, reportedly addicted to various vices, took advantage of the girls while they were playing near their homes. He used deceitful means to lure them inside a house and assaulted two of the girls, while the third managed to escape and informed her parents.

Upon learning about the incident, the victim's families were initially pressured by caste elders, who convened a panchayat the same night. Since both the accused and the victims belong to the same caste, the elders decided to suppress the matter, warning the families of caste ostracism if they reported the incident to the authorities.

Despite these threats, the incident eventually came to light. On Saturday, ICDS officials began an inquiry into the case, but local resistance hindered their investigation. The victim's families, under immense pressure, filed a formal complaint with the Yellendu police on the same day.

The police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the accused and are conducting a full investigation.