7-yr-old girl raped; painting worker held

Kochi: A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a painting worker at her house in Ernakulam district, police said today.

The accused, Muhammed Ashique (21) was arrested today, based on inputs provided by Childline officials, they said.

Police said the incident occurred in March, when her parents, both manual labourers, were away at work. They did not provide further details.

The incident came to light only much later when the girl’s parents noticed an infection on her private parts.

Childline officials came to know of it and counselled the girl and her parents.

Muhammed Ashique was arrested today, a day after a case was registered into the incident.