Retired official arrested under POCSO Act in Ongole after girl’s friend calls 112

The police have arrested a 64-year-old man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act on a charge of sexually exploiting a minor girl in Ongole.The matter came to light when another girl who was with her called the emergency helpline number 112.Speaking to The Hindu, Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju said the girl lived at a BC Welfare hostel in Prakasam district. She and another girl were allegedly taken by the hostel cook to the house of Battula Venkata Rao, a retired DRDA employee, on Tuesday (September 29, 2026).“Observing his inappropriate behaviour with the victim, the other girl contacted her brother over phone, who called the police to rescue her. Responding immediately to the distress call, the police went to the spot and arrested Venkata Rao. A case was registered against him under POCSO and SC/ST Acts,” he said, adding that the investigation was still under way.BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha directed the District Collector and BC Welfare Department officials to take immediate action against the accused. She ordered action against the BC Welfare staff involved in the matter, and directed officials to conduct regular inspections at welfare hostels at night.Children in distress, or anyone with information about abuse, can call Childline at 1098. Published - October 02, 2026 10:46 am IST