Retired DRDA Officer Arrested in Ongole for Child Abuse After Hostel Cook’s Alleged Involvement

A 64‑year‑old retired DRDA employee, Battula Venkata Rao, was arrested in Ongole on charges of sexually exploiting a minor girl. The arrest was made under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case came to light when a second girl, who was with the victim, dialed the emergency helpline 112. Both girls lived at a BC Welfare hostel in Prakasam district. According to Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju, the hostel cook took the two girls to Rao’s house on Tuesday, 29 September 2026. The second girl observed Rao’s inappropriate behaviour, called her brother, and he reported the incident to police. Police reached the location promptly and placed Rao in custody. A case has been registered under both the POCSO and SC/ST Acts and the investigation is ongoing. BC Welfare Minister S. Savitha ordered the District Collector and welfare officials to take immediate action against Rao and the hostel staff involved. She also directed regular night‑time inspections of welfare hostels. Children in distress or anyone with information can call Childline at 1098.

Context

The POCSO Act is a national law aimed at safeguarding children from sexual offences, while the SC/ST Act seeks to prevent atrocities against scheduled communities. Welfare hostels for vulnerable children are monitored by state departments, and regular inspections are meant to ensure their safety.