Child rights commission seeks report on alleged abuse of hostel girl in Ongole

Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairman Vetukuri A.V.S.S.N. Raju at a district-level review meeting at the Collectorate in Ongole. File | Photo Credit: Kommuri Srinivas The Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) has sought a report from Prakasam district officials on the alleged sexual abuse of a girl from a BC Welfare hostel, and will visit the hostel to conduct an inquiry.On September 29, the hostel’s cook allegedly sent two girls to a private house in Ongole town, where a retired employee allegedly abused one of them. The accused was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.Speaking to The Hindu on Saturday (October 3, 2026), SCPCR member Vundavalli Gandhi Babu said the Commission had expressed concern over the incident and directed the officials concerned to conduct a detailed inquiry.“The Commission has instructed the Prakasam district officials to submit a report,” Mr. Gandhi Babu said.“The Commission will visit the hostel, speak to the staff and students, and conduct an inquiry,” he added.Children in distress, or anyone with information about abuse, can call Childline at 1098. Published - October 04, 2026 11:46 am IST