Pastor booked for assault of minor in Eluru

Eluru: In a shocking incident in Eluru district, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a pastor on multiple occasions. The minor is currently undergoing treatment at the Government General Hospital (GGH), Eluru, after reporting bleeding. Her condition is said to be stable.Police said the accused, identified as Choutupalli Rambabu (35), a pastor from a village in Kamavarapukota mandal, had frequent access to the survivor’s family as he regularly visited their home to conduct prayers. He allegedly gained their trust over time.Taking advantage of the absence of the girl’s parents, the accused is said to have allegedly assaulted the minor on at least four occasions in Feb this year. The matter came to light after the girl developed health complications, prompting her mother to take her to hospital. During examination, the minor disclosed the abuse to doctors, who alerted the family.Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, Thadikalapudi police have registered a case under the Pocso Act. The accused is currently on the run, and teams have been formed to trace and apprehend him.