Public Outrage Erupts in Madanapalli Over Heinous Crime Against Child
The quiet town of Madanapalli in Annamayya district was plunged into grief and anger on Tuesday following the horrific rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl. The incident has triggered widespread public outrage, leading to massive protests and the blockade of a major highway.
Girl Goes Missing, Body Found in Water Drum
The victim, who was playing near her home in Neeruguttuvari Palli on the outskirts of Madanapalli, went missing on Monday evening. Her parents, Gopinath and Swarna Latha, along with relatives, conducted an extensive search before filing a formal complaint at the local police station.
Acting swiftly, Madanapalli police analyzed available CCTV footage and deployed a dog squad. Their investigation led them on Tuesday morning to the residence of Kulavardhan, who lives close to the missing girl's house. In a tragic discovery, the girl's body was found inside a water drum near Kulavardhan's residence.
Police Confirm Brutal Rape and Murder, Accused Absconding
Kurnool range Deputy Inspector General of Police Koya Praveen confirmed the gruesome details of the crime. The girl was brutally raped and forcibly drowned to death by the accused. DIG Praveen stated, "The accused is absconding and we have launched a massive hunt for him. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police will investigate the case thoroughly and ensure justice is delivered to the bereaved family and the victim."
Massive Protests and Highway Blockade
As news of the atrocity spread, scores of people from across Madanapalli, including representatives from various political parties, gathered at the scene. The enraged public blocked the crucial Madanapalli-Chennai highway for several hours, demanding the immediate arrest of Kulavardhan and calling for him to be handed over to them.
The protests severely disrupted police procedures. Efforts to shift the girl's body for a postmortem examination were initially thwarted as family members, supported by the crowd, refused to hand over the body. Kadapa Superintendent of Police Shelke Nachiket Viswanath rushed to Neeruguttuvari Palli to persuade the protestors, but the family remained steadfast in their refusal.
Father Reveals Accused's Troubled History
During a phone conversation, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha spoke with the girl's father, Gopinath. He revealed disturbing details about the accused, Kulavardhan. According to Gopinath, Kulavardhan was addicted to ganja (marijuana) and other vices, and had a history of harassing women in the area. It was also reported that Kulavardhan had boasted to locals that even the police could not touch him, indicating a brazen disregard for law enforcement.
It was only late in the evening, after prolonged negotiations, that police were finally able to shift the girl's body for postmortem to the Government General Hospital in Madanapalli. The community remains in a state of shock and fury, with the hunt for the accused intensifying as authorities vow to bring the perpetrator to justice.
