Ex-TDP leader dies by suicide after molestation charge.
Rao’s family rejected the police’s claim of suicide, insisting he was murdered and demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind his mysterious death.
Ex-TDP Leader Dies After Allegedly Jumping Into Lake Amid Molestation Case
In a shocking development, former Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Tatik Narayana Rao, accused of attempting to molest a 13-year-old schoolgirl, allegedly jumped into a lake near Tuni in Andhra Pradesh late on Wednesday night, October 22. Rao’s sudden death has sent ripples through the local community, stirring controversy and raising questions about the circumstances leading to the incident.
According to Peddapuram sub-divisional police officer Srihari Raju, the 62-year-old Rao was being escorted to a local court in connection with the molestation case. “At around 10 pm, when the vehicle reached the outskirts of Tuni near Komati Cheruvu, he requested the officials to stop for a bathroom break,” the officer said.
“However, he jumped into the lake while trying to escape,” Officer Raju added. “His body was recovered the following morning.” Authorities have termed the incident a suicide, though the case remains under scrutiny.
The events leading to Rao’s arrest were equally disturbing. The previous day, he was apprehended for allegedly luring a 13-year-old student from Tuni Rural Gurukulam to an isolated orchard, where he attempted to molest her. The crime came to light after a local resident confronted Rao and recorded a video capturing the girl and Rao trying to flee the orchard, which later helped police take swift action.
Rao was formally booked under Section 137 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (kidnapping), IPC Section 354A (sexual harassment), and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for attempted sexual assault. His sudden death has added another layer of complexity to the case, leaving the community and authorities grappling with the unfolding situation.
While police maintain that Rao’s death was a suicide, his family has publicly disputed the claim, alleging foul play. They insist that Rao may have been murdered, and have demanded a thorough investigation to determine the truth behind the incident. The family’s allegations have intensified the debate surrounding custodial safety and accountability, highlighting the sensitive nature of high-profile cases involving serious charges.
Local residents have expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, with many questioning how a high-risk detainee could have ended up dead under police supervision. Political circles, too, have reacted cautiously, with some leaders calling for a transparent probe to ensure that justice is served both for the victim and in clarifying the circumstances of Rao’s death.
The incident has also reignited discussions about the protection of minors and the need for stricter monitoring of individuals accused of sexual offenses. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review CCTV footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence to confirm the sequence of events leading up to Rao’s death.
For now, the community in Tuni remains tense, balancing grief, outrage, and concern for the young victim, while Rao’s family seeks answers about his untimely demise.