The remains of a six-year-old girl was found in a vessel in Salem on Sunday after police began probing her disappearance. A 17-year-old boy was subsequently arrested in connection with the case.
The victim was found with her stomach cut open with a blade and injuries on her face. Her body has been sent to the Mettur Government Hospital for medical examination to confirm suspicions that she was also raped, according to a report by The New Indian Express.
The victim was the youngest daughter of Raja, a fisherman who lived in Teluganur in Salem district. His daughter disappeared on Saturday evening and was found after Raja filed a complaint against the accused. The victim's friend has told Raja that she was taken by the 17-year-old.
The boy at first denied the allegations, but later confessed that he sensed an opportunity when he was left alone after his grandfather went out for some work.
He lured the girl by giving her chocolates and brought her to his house and then attempted to rape the girl. He strangulated her in fear when she raised an alarm.
Police added that the accused, whose mother is a vegetable seller in Dharmapuri district, was living with his grandfather Raman. He discontinued his studies after Class IX.
