Did caste stigma lead to horrific rape of 15-year-old Andhra Pradesh Dalit girl going unnoticed for 2 years?

The Andhra Pradesh police have so far arrested 13 persons in connection with the horrific rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl, which continued "unnoticed" for two years despite the victim being pregnant for eight months. The incident came to light only after the victim finally decided to file a complaint recently. 

 

The victim, from Sri Satya district, was raped by men, allegedly including repeat offenders. While the key accused in the case is still at large, police have so far arrested 13 persons in the case. Andhra Pradesh police arrested Achampalli Vardhan (21), Talari Murali (25), Badagorla Nandavardhan Raj (23), Arencheru Nagaraju (51), Boya Sanjeev (40) and Budida Rajanna (49) on June 9 and seven others were arrested on June 10.

 

According to police, special teams were formed to nab the accused. Sri Satya Sai district Superintendent of Police V. Ratna recently said, "In this heinous case, the accused were identified, traced, and arrested with coordination by special teams under Dharmavaram subdivision. According to preliminary investigation, the girl was allegedly blackmailed using some of her 'inappropriate images and videos' by the perpetrators. 

 

Police told PTI that social stigma could have led to the crime continuing unreported for two years. "Despite being pregnant for eight months, no local alerted the officials. We believe caste stigma and fear led to the community's silence over the repeated abuse," police said. Cops suspect that a few villagers even pressured the girl into marrying one of the accused to close the case.

 

The victim is currently undergoing treatment at a government general hospital in Ananthapur district. Doctors and medical professionals ruled against abortion considering the advanced stage of pregnancy. The victim will be moved to a safer location after the delivery, police said. Police have sought permission to conduct a DNA test of the unborn child.  

 

Police are also investigating whether there were any lapses by school, health, or child protection officials. The victim's mother is a labourer and her husband passed away. Police believe their vulnerable situation may have made them more susceptible to community pressure and silence. 

 

A case has been registered under several sections including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act and BNS.

India