Pastor Arrested in Eluru for Alleged Rape and Abortion Attempt on Minor

Chavatapalli Rambabu, alias Hosanna, a pastor in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh, was arrested on May 10, 2026, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly raping a minor girl and impregnating her. The Tadikalapudi police registered the case following a complaint by the girl's mother, who said the accused took the girl to his prayer house when she was alone at home several months ago.

The girl’s mother alleged that Rambabu administered a heavy dose of pills to induce abortion, leaving the minor in critical condition. Authorities confirmed the arrest was carried out by a team led by Jangareddygudem Additional Superintendent of Police Susmitha Ramanathan, with assistance from Tadikalapudi Sub-Inspector S. Valli Padma. Eluru district Superintendent of Police K. Pratap Shiva Kishore confirmed charges under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections.

Rambabu will be produced before a judicial magistrate, police said. The court will determine further legal proceedings, including remand and bail hearings.