Published Apr 05, 2026 | 10:01 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 05, 2026 | 10:05 AM
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Synopsis: A government employee was allegedly raped at knifepoint and brutally assaulted in her residence in Andhra Pradesh. Police said the accused threatened the woman with a knife, gagged her using her dupatta, and tied her hands and legs before sexually assaulting her. The attack is reported to have been particularly brutal.
In a shocking incident that has triggered widespread outrage, a government employee was allegedly raped at knifepoint and brutally assaulted in her residence in Macherla town in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, 2 April.
The victim, aged between 32 and 35 years and originally from Sattenapalli, was posted in Macherla as an office subordinate in the Panchayati Raj Department and was living alone at the time of the incident. Her nephew, who usually stayed with her, recently left after his SSC examinations.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred between 3.30 pm and 4.00 pm on Thursday. An unidentified man, believed to be around 40 years old, reportedly knocked on her door seeking a glass of water, citing the intense summer heat. Once she allowed him inside, he allegedly overpowered her.
Police said the accused threatened the woman with a knife, gagged her using her dupatta, and tied her hands and legs before sexually assaulting her. The attack is reported to have been particularly brutal.
According to sources, the assailant inflicted grievous injuries on her when the victim allegedly told him that she was infected with HIV, possibly in an attempt to deter him. However, the attacker is said to have responded with extreme violence, including the insertion of an iron rod into her private parts, causing severe internal injuries. After the assault, the accused fled the scene, leaving the woman in a distressed and injured condition.
Residents and relatives rushed to her aid and shifted her to the Government Hospital in Macherla. Later, she was moved to Narasarapet Area Hospital and then to Guntur General Hospital for better treatment. Sources said that her condition was causing concern.
The Macherla Town Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of rape, criminal intimidation, and causing grievous harm.
The police are searching for the assailant. The dog squad picked up his scent and led the police to a nearby park. The police are also trying to identify the accused with the help of the CCTV footage. The police are hopeful of an early breakthrough in the case. They may seek a description of the assailant from the rape survivor after she gets better.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed police officials to take immediate and stringent action against the accused.
The chief minister instructed the police to arrest the accused at the earliest and ensure that strict punishment is meted out. He emphasised that crimes against women will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Police informed the chief minister that special teams have been formed under the supervision of an Additional Superintendent of Police to track down the accused. Some suspects have already been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance, the chief minister directed officials to ensure that strict action in such cases serves as a deterrent against crimes targeting women.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
