Andhra Pradesh: Uncle rapes 12-year-old niece, pregnancy aborted after 7 months

ANANTAPUR: Parents of a Class VI student, who was raped by her uncle, forced her to abort during the seventh month of her pregnancy after they realised that she was pregnant, putting her life at risk.

The incident that took place at Gaddamollapalli in NP Kunta mandal of the district, came to light three days ago. It raised many questions about the minimum necessary measures and care given by parents and even teachers.

Gaddamollapalli has with only seven houses and all the residents are blood relatives. The victim’s parents are stone crushing and agricultural labourers in the village.

Their 12-year-old daughter is a student of Class VI in an upper-primary school at Vorsuvandlapalli about 1 km from the village. The girl had reached puberty eight months ago and her parents had celebrated the occasion in their tradition.

Sources said that her uncle, V. Raju, 45, had lured the girl with chocolates and assaulted her from the month after she reached puberty. He threatened the girl with dire consequences and raped her for seven months.

When she started showing signs of pregnancy, her parents took her to a private hospital in Pulivendula where she was declared as nearly seven-months pregnant, her father said. “We had not concentrated on her physical changes as she wore different dresses.”

The pregnancy was aborted in a critical situation. “We could not continue the pregnancy of our minor daughter,” he said.

The girl’s father lodged complaint with the NP Kunta police against his cousin, Raju, for raping his daughter. The accused is now in the police custody.

Child specialist Dr Hemalatha said that the victim’s pregnancy would not have reached a critical state if her mother had checked if she was having her monthly menstrual cycle.

Assistant professor of gynaecology at Anantapur Medical College Dr Sandhya, said as per law, abortion isn’t allowed after 20 weeks except for conditions like death of baby or internal problems.

“The victim shall need proper medical check up to avoid infections and blood should be given if she is physically weak. She also needs psychological counselling for recovery.”

The villagers and family members sought serious action against the accused.