Govt employee in Vijayawada gagged and raped; attacker inserts iron rod after victim claims HIV
Vijayawada: A horrific attack on a 35-year-old government employee has left the town of Macherla in shock and prompted an intensive manhunt across the Palnadu district. The victim is currently receiving specialized care after being subjected to a brutal assault that local officials have termed "heinous."
The Incident
The assault occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, April 2, between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. The victim, a native of Sattenapalli who has been working and residing in Macherla for about a year, was alone at her home near the Railway Station area when an unidentified man knocked on her door.
The perpetrator reportedly gained entry by asking for drinking water. Once inside, he produced a knife and threatened the woman, subsequently tying her hands and legs with a scarf and gagging her. According to police reports, the man raped the victim and beat her severely.
In a chilling escalation, after the victim reportedly claimed she had an HIV infection in an attempt to stop the assault, the suspect became further enraged. He allegedly inserted an iron rod into her private parts, causing internal injuries before fleeing the scene.
Also read | Rape-accused ex-Merchant Navy ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat also named in suicide note
Rescue and Medical Status
The crime was discovered by the victim's nephew. Concerned when she did not answer repeated phone calls, he alerted friends and neighbors to check the residence. They found her lying unconscious and immediately contacted emergency services.
The victim was initially taken to Macherla Government Hospital and later shifted to Narasaraopeta Area Hospital for better treatment, with some reports indicating a subsequent transfer to the Government General Hospital in Guntur. Hospital officials confirmed on Friday that while the victim sustained critical internal injuries, she is currently out of danger.
Police Investigation
The Palnadu district police have prioritized the case, deploying an Additional Superintendent of Police to supervise the investigation personally. Four special teams have been formed to track and apprehend the suspect, and a forensics "Clues Team" has processed the crime scene while investigators scan CCTV footage from nearby locations. Macherla MLA Julakanti Brahmananda Reddy expressed his shock over the incident and instructed Guntur Range IG Sarvashreshth Tripathi to ensure the swiftest possible arrest and stern action against the culprit. In compliance with Supreme Court directives regarding cases of sexual assault, the victim’s identity has been withheld to protect her privacy and dignity.
Note on Privacy: In compliance with Supreme Court directives regarding cases of sexual assault, the victim’s identity has been withheld to protect her privacy and dignity.