The Jammikunta police on Thursday evening arrested fifty-five year-old watchman-cum-cook of government run Social Welfare residential school who allegedly raped an eight-year-old girl in Jammikunta on August 15.
Jammikunta CI Dasari Bhumaiah said that the accused, Md Raj Mohammed, a native of Akunur village of Saidapur mandal in Karimnagar district has been working at the Social Welfare residential school for about two and half-years. On the night of August 15, the accused allegedly raped her and is said to have repeated the same for four days.
When the girl was taken ill, he shifted her to hospital and threatened her with dire consequences if she revealed the matter.
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The hostel staff knew about the incident, but did not take action against the culprit. However, the incident came to light on Wednesday when police visited the hostel and conducted an inquiry into the issue.
Staff silent
The students then poured out their woes about the harassment meted out to them by the cook and also about the hostel staff remaining silent over the issue. Ironically the accused has grandchildren who are supposed to be of the victim’s age.
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Suspended
In the meantime, the district administration suspended Raj Mohammed, Assistant Social Welfare Officer (ASWO) Nathaniel and hostel warden Dhanalaxmi.
The police registered a case against Raj Mohammed under IPC 375 clause 2 (f). The girl is undergoing treatment in hospital.
The BJYM, Karimnagar district unit, demanded capital punishment for the accused.