Police clueless about accused in rape and murder of 6-year-old

₹10 lakh reward announced for information leading to his arrest

Nearly a week after the brutal rape and murder of a six-year-old girl in the city, the Hyderabad police which is digital-savvy in tracing and pursuing hot criminals, is yet to apprehend the delinquent.

Police have now launched a massive manhunt to nab Pallakonda Raju (30). On Tuesday, they announced a reward of ₹ 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Raju. The minor girl had gone missing on September 9 from her home in Saidabad, and hours later, her semi-naked body wrapped in a bedsheet was recovered from Raju’s house, who was her neighbour. The girl also had several injury marks on her body.

The victim’s mother suspected Raju to be the culprit as he was missing from his house. Police suspect that Raju, father of a one-year-old, sexually assaulted the girl and later strangled her to death. Police also released Raju’s photograph and said he was 30 years old. They also gave a description of the accused and pointed out that both his hands had tattoos which read ‘Mounika’. He is about 5 feet 9 inches tall, has long hair which is tied at the back with a rubber band. He is habituated to consuming alcohol, and sleeping on pavements, and at bus stands, police said.