A three-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted and killed by a man known to her family. The girl was reportedly buried in a shallow pit by the suspect who lived in the same block as her family.

Police have arrested a 24-year-old factory worker in Gurugram, a city located south west of New Delhi in India, on suspicion of sexually assaulting and murdering the girl. She was reported missing by her parents shortly before midnight on Friday (February 20) before an investigation was launched.

Investigators then spotted the suspect walking away with the girl on CCTV footage. It’s alleged he lured away while she was playing near her home on Thursday evening.

He then allegedly assaulted her and strangled her to death. The suspect reportedly took the three-year-old girl around 4km (2.5 miles) away from the area before burying her body.

Gurugram Police ASI spokesperson Sandeep Turan said: “Afterwards, he throttled her, dug a shallow pit, and fled after burying the body.” He added: “The suspect took the police team to the spot and helped them recover the body, after which forensic experts were called to collect evidence.”

It’s reported by local media that the suspect, who lived in the same block as the victim’s family and was known to them, confessed to the crime during questioning. This led to officers being able to discover the child’s body.

Forensic teams rushed to the scene to gather evidence. The local police force have now promised a thorough investigation into the alleged kidnap and murder.

Charges have been filed under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including murder. There has also been provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act covering aggravated penetrative assault.

Gurugram, in the state of Haryana, is known for being a financial and technology hub. Around 60% of the companies in Fortune India 500 have their offices in the city.