Man running orphanage held for raping 15-year-old girl

Hyderabad - A case was booked against him under IPC section 376 (rape) and under relevant sections of POCSO Act.

A man running an orphanage in Secunderabad was on Tuesday booked for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl resident repeatedly at its premises, police said.

"We received a complaint last night (Monday) from the relative of the girl who accused Sunith Kumar of raping her repeatedly on different occasions.

"We have registered a case and are questioning Kumar," Assistant Commissioner of Police (Malkajgiri Division) G Sundeep told PTI.

A case was booked against Kumar under IPC section 376 (rape) and under relevant sections of POCSO Act, the official said.

The orphanage houses both boys and girls, police said.

In a related development, Balala Hakkula Sangham, an NGO working for child rights, condemned the incident.

"Instead of saving the children they are sexually exploiting them and we demand that the government take over the affairs of the orphanage and the accused should be punished," honorary president of the NGO, Achyuta Rao said.

• India