A three-year-old girl was allegedly raped and killed by her close relative in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district on Friday, news agency ANI reported.

Police said the 22-year-old allegedly lured the victim with chocolate and took her to a nearby field to rape her. He also killed the girl and buried her body in the field in an attempt to destroy evidence, police added.

The child’s parents filed a missing complaint with the police, stating that they last saw their daughter with the accused.

Superintendent of Police Tirupati Subbarayudu said the accused has been arrested and the victim’s body has been sent to Puttur Government Hospital for post-mortem.

The man also confessed to the act during the hearing of the police. “He behaved suspiciously. When I asked, he confessed to the crime. He said he took her to an open field near the school and sexually assaulted her. Then he killed and buried his body in the field,” said the SP, according to the year NDTV report.

The heinous act sent shockwaves through the community, sparking outrage and demands for justice.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu warned of strict action against those who commit atrocities on women. “They are rogues in society. Horrible people. Are 4-year-olds raped by humans or animals? If the law permits, a few of them should be hanged in the middle of the road. Only then will they be afraid,” Naidu said.

The chief minister also promised to take steps to create fear among criminals that the day they commit such crimes will be the “last”.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Anita expressed deep shock and condemned the murder. She also said that the state government will ensure justice to the victim and also extend full support to the police investigation. The minister also praised the police for their prompt action in arresting the accused within hours, showing their efficiency.

(With agency contributions)