A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Odisha, India, with her body discovered hidden in bushes. Police say they have arrested a 24-year-old man from the same village.

The girl child went missing on March 9 while staying at her uncle’s home in Maldihi Panchayat’s Dudi village, Rajgangpur block. Her father works in Chennai and she had been living with relatives to continue her schooling. After desperate searches failed, her family reported her disappearance to Rajgangpur police. Officers detained several men, including local resident Michael Kindo.

Police say Kindo tried to flee during questioning, prompting officers to chase and detain him. Under interrogation, he allegedly confessed to luring the girl to a secluded spot, sexually assaulting her, and then strangling her when she cried out.

Acting on the suspect’s confession, a police team headed by Sundargarh SP Amritpal Kaur rushed to the spot.

Officers recovered the child’s body from beneath a large stone. It has since been sent for post-mortem to establish the exact cause of death before being handed over to the family.

Confirming the development, Anil Kumar Samal, Additional IIC of Rajgangpur Police Station, told reporters that the accused has been taken into custody and produced before the court.

Authorities confirmed Kindo is in custody and will face charges.

The case has sparked anger and grief in the community, with locals demanding swift justice.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area and assured residents that the investigation will be pursued thoroughly.