MULUGU: Local police on Thursday registered a case under the POCSO Act against the husband of a sarpanch, for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. While the incident took place on Feb 23, it came to light on Thursday after the 17-year-old’s parents approached the police against the accused and lodged a complaint. “We have booked a case and started investigation. The accused is currently absconding, but we have launched a manhunt for him,” said a police official. According to cops, the accused is a 27-year-old man from the same mandal and works at a private firm. “Since he is the sarpanch’s husband, the parents of the minor approached him requesting him to counsel the minor girl. She had dropped out after her first year of Intermediate and the parents were worried,” said the official, adding, “The accused subsequently visited the survivor at her house, when her parents – both daily wagers – were at work. He entered under the pretext of counselling her and then allegedly sexually assaulted her when he realised she was alone.“ The survivor later confided in her parents. “They first approached the elders in the village and complained about the incident. Later, on Thursday, they lodged a police complaint,” a cop said.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)