ELURU: A 42-year-old pastor, identified as Rambabu, has been apprehended by authorities in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, on charges of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The arrest comes after the girl, daughter of daily wage labourers who frequented the pastor's church for prayers, was hospitalized due to severe bleeding. The pastor allegedly exploited his position of trust to target the vulnerable minor. Investigations revealed that after the girl missed her menstrual period, Rambabu administered a high dose of contraceptive pills.
The alleged incidents came to light when the girl, suffering from acute distress, confided in her mother. Tadikalapudi police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
In related developments, the Andhra Pradesh Commission for Protection of Child Rights is scheduled to visit the victim's home on Monday, May 11, 2026. This action underscores the gravity with which such cases are being addressed by official bodies.
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A Pattern of Allegations and Arrests
This incident in Eluru is not an isolated event involving religious figures and allegations of sexual misconduct against minors. Several other cases, though some from different regions and timeframes, highlight a recurring pattern.
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu (April 2025): Pastor John Jebaraj, known for his Christian concerts, was arrested from Kerala under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually assaulting two minor girls. Police booked him under sections related to aggravated sexual assault.
Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu (July 2024): A pastor was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing a minor girl who was staying on church premises after her mother's death.
Eluru, Andhra Pradesh (December 2022): A different pastor was booked for the alleged rape and impregnation of a 14-year-old girl.
Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu (September 2022): A 58-year-old pastor was arrested and remanded under the POCSO Act for allegedly raping and impregnating a minor girl.
Tirupur, Tamil Nadu (January 2022): A pastor was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old minor.
Ernakulam, Kerala (February 2021): A 74-year-old pastor was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl.
West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh (August 2021): A 50-year-old pastor was booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly raping and impregnating a 14-year-old girl.
Legal Framework and Judicial Responses
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act provides a legal framework to address such crimes. Courts have affirmed severe penalties under this act. For instance, the Madras High Court in February 2026 upheld a life sentence for a pastor convicted of aggravated sexual assault on a disabled minor, emphasizing that the prosecution had proven charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In another instance, a pastor in Kerala received a life sentence in May 2017 for raping a 13-year-old, having already been sentenced for another similar offense.
These legal proceedings underscore the serious nature of the offenses and the intent to prosecute perpetrators under stringent laws designed to protect children.
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