The accused, who resides opposite the victim's house, was identified after CCTV footage confirmed the murder, prompting police to launch a special investigation.
Key Points
- The accused, who resides opposite the victim's house, is on the run.
- A large crowd gathered near the accused's house and demanding strict action.
- Police have registered a case under charges of murder, rape, and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
A seven-year-old girl who went missing in Andhra Pradesh's Madanapalle was allegedly raped and murdered by a neighbour, with police recovering her body from a drum inside his house, officials said on Tuesday.
Kurnool Range DIG K Praveen said the incident occurred in Neerugattuvaripalli village on Monday after the child went missing at around 4 pm. Her family lodged a complaint at about 7 pm.
"The cause of death is drowning, and there are signs of sexual assault. The accused killed the girl and concealed her body in a drum inside his house," Praveen told PTI.
The accused, who resides opposite the victim's house, was identified after CCTV footage confirmed the murder, prompting police to launch a special investigation.
Situation turned volatile in area
High tension prevailed in the locality after the incident came to light, with a large crowd gathering near the accused's house and demanding strict action.
The situation turned volatile, prompting heavy police deployment to prevent further escalation.
Certain politically motivated individuals allegedly incited the crowd and even assaulted members of the victim's family. Additional forces were deployed to maintain law and order, the DIG said.
Police have registered a case under charges of murder, rape, and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
© 2026