Thirteen arrested in Andhra Pradesh gangrape case
In Andhra Pradesh's Sri Sathya Sai district, 13 people have been arrested for allegedly gangraping a 15-year-old Dalit girl over two years.
The accused reportedly blackmailed her with compromising photos.
The abuse only came to light when the girl, now eight months pregnant, filed a complaint on June 9.
Police have charged the suspects under the POCSO Act and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Case stayed hidden due to caste stigma
The case stayed hidden because of caste stigma and families' fear of being shunned by their community.
Six men were first arrested, followed by seven more—including a minor—the next day.
The girl is receiving care at a government hospital in Ananthapur; abortion isn't possible due to her advanced pregnancy.
Authorities are arranging her relocation and have ordered a DNA test to support the investigation, promising ongoing safety and support for her moving forward.