The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday dismissed police inspector Chinna Mallaya from service in connection with a case registered against him for allegedly raping a 40-year-old woman in Palnadu district in April, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Police said that Malaya is currently on the run and has not been traced yet.
Guntur Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Sarvashrestha Tripathi issued orders dismissing Malaiah from service, hours after the Supreme Court dismissed his plea seeking anticipatory bail in the case.
The rural police in Vinukonda registered a case against Malaya under Section 64 (punishment for rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on April 29, following a complaint lodged by the victim. According to the complaint, the victim was staying alone as a tenant in the inspector’s residence. On the night of April 28, the inspector broke into her house, sexually assaulted her, and threatened to kill her.
“After collecting preliminary evidence against the inspector, a case was opened on the same day and he was placed on suspension on May 1,” a senior police officer said.
After her complaint, the police transferred her to a government hospital, where she underwent medical examinations as part of the investigation. “Based on the medical examination report, it was prima facie confirmed that she had been sexually assaulted and a case was filed against the inspector,” the officer said.
Malaya previously worked at the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and was held on the Vacant Reserve (VR), awaiting deployment. “Soon after the case was opened, the inspector absconded. The victim also recorded her statement before the local court,” the official added.
He approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail but it was rejected on May 14. He then referred the matter to the Supreme Court.
“On Wednesday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and VS Mohan rejected Mallaya’s anticipatory bail application in the rape case. “The bench refused to buy his counsel’s argument that he and the victim were involved in a consensual relationship,” the officer said.
