70-year-old man attempts to rape mentally challenge minor

Child rape and sexual violence have long been common in India.

Anantapur: A 70-year-old man attempted to rape a 12-year-old mentally challenged girl at Bukkapatnam mandal headquarters in the district on Wednesday. Bukkapatnam police said the girl was studying in Class 8 at a school in Bukkapatnam. Her neighbour Venkatappa,70, entered her house on Wednesday when her parents, who are labourers, went out to work.

The old man lured the girl by offering her a roti and made an attempt to rape her.

The girl’s shouts brought people in the neighbourhood rushing to the house and they caught Venkatappa and handed him over to the police.

She was taken to Anantapur general hospital for medical tests.

Police said Venkatappa was arrested based on a complaint by the girl’s parents. People’s organisations have demanded stringent action against the accused.