In Srikakulam's Meliyaputti mandal, a tribal girl at a Tribal Welfare School in Bandapalli was assaulted by a physical education teacher named Lavanya and her husband, Ramachandra Rao. Adivasi Samkshema Parishad vice-president Vaba Yogi said the teacher allowed her husband to beat the girl despite her crying and requests to stop. The assault followed allegations of theft against the girl. Association leaders Venkatesh and Khageswara Rao announced plans to hold a bandh in Meliyaputti. They demand the government take strict action against the couple and others involved. The incident has been reported to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and the State government.