62-year-old accused of assault dies in Tuni police custody

A 62-year-old man, Tatika Narayana Rao, died in police custody in Tuni, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, following allegations that he attempted to sexually assault a 13-year-old girl from a local government Gurukula school.

According to police reports, Rao allegedly lured the girl from her hostel to a nearby orchard and attempted to assault her. The orchard owner confronted Rao and recorded the incident on video, which later went viral, prompting the police to arrest him on October 22, 2025. He was charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for sexual assault and kidnapping. Authorities noted that consent from minors is not legally valid, making the charges particularly serious.

Police said that while Rao was being escorted to the local magistrate, he asked to stop the vehicle to relieve himself. He then allegedly jumped into a nearby water body. His body was recovered the following morning, October 23. The police are treating the incident as a suspected suicide.

The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Women (APSCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the case. Commission Chairperson Dr. Rayapati Shailaja has directed strict action and instructed the Kakinada District Superintendent of Police to ensure that the investigation follows all POCSO provisions. The Commission has also asked the district police to submit a detailed report within 48 hours and has recommended strengthening security measures across Gurukula schools.

The District Collector and Child Welfare Committee have been instructed to provide immediate protection, medical, legal, and psychological support to the minor victim. While the accused has died, authorities can continue the investigation to establish facts, identify any accomplices, and ensure accountability for procedural lapses.

Under the Andhra Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme (APVCS), 2018–19, the minor victim is eligible for financial support of up to ₹2 lakh for medical treatment, counseling, rehabilitation, and legal assistance. In cases of death or permanent disability, compensation can go up to ₹5 lakh. These funds are disbursed through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or the State Crime Victim Compensation Board.

Dr. Shailaja emphasized that although the accused is deceased, the government has a duty to ensure the safety, protection, and rehabilitation of the victim, and that justice is delivered promptly. Authorities have also been asked to review school safety protocols and take administrative action wherever lapses are found.

This incident has sparked public concern over child safety in educational institutions, and authorities have assured rigorous follow-up to prevent such cases in the future.