A minor girl with a disability was allegedly raped at a place of worship in Nellore city on Sunday (October 4, 2026), the police said. The accused was identified as Jashua, a worker who came to the place regularly to clean bathrooms.

According to sources, on finding the girl alone on Sunday afternoon, Jashua took her to the roof of the building and sexually assaulted her. Because of her disability, she could not seek help. When he tried to leave locals caught him and beat him severely.

Speaking to The Hindu, Vedayapalem Inspector Ch. Koteswara Rao said that as soon as a complaint was received on the emergency helpline number 112, Blue Colts personnel immediately went to the spot and arrested the accused. The girl was admitted to hospital for treatment.

A case was registered under Section 64 (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 5(k) read with Section 6 (sexual assault by taking advantage of a child’s physical disability) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (APSCPCR) Chairman Vetukuri A.V.S. Suryanarayana Raju spoke to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) officials about the incident.

He advised the DCPU staff to ensure the girl received proper medical care. He also directed the district administration to immediately register a case against the accused and arrest him without any delay to prevent his escape.

Children in distress, or anyone with information about abuse, can call Childline at 1098.