Accused Found Dead After Arrest In Tuni Minor Assault Case
A major twist has emerged in the Tuni minor assault case in Andhra Pradesh, as the accused, an elderly man identified as Narayana Rao, was found dead after allegedly jumping into Komati Cheruvu lake just hours after his arrest under the POCSO Act.
Viral Video Exposes Attempted Assault
The disturbing case began when Narayana Rao, a resident of Tuni in Andhra Pradesh, was caught on camera allegedly attempting to assault a minor schoolgirl in an orchard. A passerby recorded the incident, and the video quickly went viral on social media.
In the footage, Rao can be heard claiming to be a Municipal Councillor, trying to threaten and intimidate the man filming him. According to locals, this was not his first such act — he had allegedly harassed the same girl earlier by following and intimidating her on multiple occasions.
Public Outrage And Police Action
The viral video sparked massive public outrage across the East Godavari district, prompting swift action from the Tuni Police. Rao was arrested under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
“We arrested the accused after the disturbing video surfaced. He was being questioned, and a case under the POCSO Act was registered,” said a senior Tuni Police officer.
Locals demanded strict punishment and staged protests near the police station, condemning the repeated rise in crimes against minors.
Twist In The Case: Accused Found Dead
Just hours after his arrest, the case took a dramatic and shocking turn. Police officials reported that Rao died by suicide while being transported by the police on Wednesday night.
According to the official version, while being taken through a route near Komati Cheruvu, Rao requested officers to stop for a bathroom break. He allegedly jumped into the lake and drowned before police could rescue him.
“The accused suddenly leapt into Komati Cheruvu. Despite our efforts to save him, he went missing. The body was recovered early Thursday morning,” said a police source.
Family Alleges Foul Play
Rao’s family, however, has questioned the police’s account, claiming that he could not have acted alone or taken such an extreme step voluntarily. They alleged foul play and demanded a judicial inquiry into his death.
“We don’t believe the police version. He may have been killed in custody,” said a relative while speaking to reporters.
The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a magisterial inquiry is likely to be ordered to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the death.
Police Begin Internal Inquiry
Senior officials have directed an internal departmental investigation into the alleged lapse in custody supervision. Officers accompanying the accused have been asked to submit detailed reports.
The East Godavari district SP confirmed that all procedures under the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines are being followed, given the custodial nature of the death.
“We are examining CCTV footage, mobile records, and witness statements to establish what exactly happened,” an officer said.
Community Shocked By Incident
The incident has shocked residents of Tuni, a quiet town that rarely witnesses such controversies. Many locals expressed anger over both the initial assault and the mysterious death, calling for transparency in the investigation.
“Justice must be served — both for the minor girl and for the truth behind the accused’s death,” said a local activist.
Women’s organizations have urged the state government to ensure swift justice and safe environments for school-going children in rural areas.
Legal & Political Reactions
Legal experts pointed out that even if the accused was guilty, the custodial suicide raises serious questions about police accountability. Opposition leaders have demanded a fair, independent probe to avoid erosion of public trust.
Political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties have condemned the incident, stating that it reflects the urgent need for better monitoring during police custody.
