Indian national accused of sexually assaulting minor arrested in US
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have arrested an Indian national who is accused of multiple offences, including sexually assaulting a minor.
The arrested Indian national has been identified as Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli.
ICE said he is accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old child, public disorder and shoplifting.
"Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey," ICE wrote on X.
"We’ll keep him in custody pending removal proceedings," ICE said.
The agency did not disclose the exact date of his arrest.
—SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD UNDER 13
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) February 16, 2026
—SHOPLIFTING
—PUBLIC DISORDER
Vodela Yashaswi Kottapalli, a criminal illegal alien from India, has pending charges for sexual assault and larceny in New Jersey.
We’ll keep him in custody pending removal proceedings. pic.twitter.com/VM97e9KUD9
The President Donald Trump-led administration has taken stringent steps against illegal immigrants since coming to power in 2025 for the second term.
The incident came to light amid a rising number of detention of Indian illegal immigrants in the USA.
According to information shared by the Indian government in Parliament, more than 3,800 Indians were deported from the US in 2025 after nationality checks and coordination between authorities in both countries, reported CNBC.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles

From Kapil Dev to Gavaskar: 14 cricket greats step in for jailed Imran Khan, write to Pakistan govt
Several former cricket captains, including 1983 World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar, have written a joint letter to the Pakistani government urging it to ensure proper medical care and dignified treatment for jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Yunus revives ‘Seven Sisters’ pitch in farewell speech, sparks fresh buzz before BNP takeover
Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus once again stirred debate by invoking the term “Seven Sisters” — a reference to India’s northeastern states — without naming India, while highlighting the region’s “immense economic potential” in his farewell address.

Afghanistan retains status as world’s weakest passport in February 2026 Henley Index
Afghanistan’s passport continues to rank as the weakest globally, according to the February 2026 Henley Passport Index.

Pakistani court hands 13-year-old Christian girl to alleged kidnapper husband — Parents devastated
A Pakistani court this month gave the custody of a 13-year-old Christian girl to the man who had kidnapped, converted her to Islam and married her, media reports said.
Latest News

Kolkata: Rotary honours Padmashri 2026 awardee Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya

Kolkata: Rotary Club of Calcutta Pointers, Indian Cancer Society host cancer awareness, screening camp

Can Sound Heal You? The Ancient Therapy’s Modern Comeback

From Kapil Dev to Gavaskar: 14 cricket greats step in for jailed Imran Khan, write to Pakistan govt

