Hands burnt with hot embers, knife held to neck: Andhra girl tortured for theft

An eight-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to brutal torture over the suspected theft of Rs 10,000 in Andhra Pradesh's Alluri Sitharama Raju district, with police launching an investigation after the child's relatives lodged a complaint.

The incident was reported from Darakonda village in GK Veedhi mandal, where the Class 4 student, who had lost her father, had been staying with a local pastor's family that had taken responsibility for her care.

According to the complaint, suspicion fell on the child after Rs 10,000 reportedly went missing from the pastor's house around 10 days ago. Instead of informing the police, a woman identified as Rupavati, described as a church follower who frequently visited the pastor's residence, allegedly took the girl to her house for questioning.

What followed, relatives alleged, was a horrifying ordeal.

The woman allegedly tortured the child in an attempt to force a confession. The minor was reportedly burned with hot embers on her hands and threatened with a knife held to her neck, allegedly to make her admit to stealing the money.

The injured girl was later taken to the Government Hospital in Darakonda, where she received treatment for her injuries.

Following the incident, the victim's relatives approached the GK Veedhi Police Station and filed a complaint. Police have since summoned members of the pastor's family and begun recording statements as part of the investigation.

The alleged torture has sparked outrage in the village, with residents and Adivasi community leaders condemning the incident and demanding strict action against those responsible. They have also called for justice for the child and a thorough investigation into the allegations.

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