TDP Leader Tatik Narayana Rao Arrested for Alleged Rape Attempt On 13-Year-Old in Andhra Pradesh

A senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Tatik Narayana Rao, was arrested by Andhra Pradesh police for allegedly trying to sexually assault a 13-year-old girl. Rao reportedly tricked the girl by pretending to be her grandfather and lured her out of her school, prompting public outrage.

Police say Rao led the girl to a mango orchard near Tuni, where he allegedly attempted the assault. The orchard owner, noticing suspicious behavior, recorded Rao on video. Realising he was being filmed, Rao allegedly fled the scene on his scooter with the girl.

The police registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, with charges including kidnapping and attempted rape. DSP Srihari Raju confirmed that Rao will be presented in court soon and the investigation is being fast-tracked.

The school, Gurukula School, is under scrutiny for allowing the student to leave unsupervised. Police are questioning school officials to determine if there was negligence. Local residents and the victim's family have staged protests outside the school demanding strict action.

The incident has drawn political attention as well. The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) student wing condemned Rao's alleged actions and criticised the TDP government over women's safety in the state.

DSP Raju also appealed to the public and media not to share any content related to the minor, warning that doing so would be punishable under POCSO. The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about child safety and accountability in educational institutions across Andhra Pradesh.