The South East Division police have arrested a 19-year-old youth in connection with the recent kidnap, rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in Kodichikkanahalli in Madiwala.
The accused Mahesh, who hails from Mandya, was an employee of a garment factory near Electronics City. He was residing in a rented room in Bommanahalli along with a friend.
Assistant Commissioner of Police H. Subbanna described Mahesh as a “deviant”, who was known to have earlier abused young boys. Of late, he had begun prying on young girls after his morning shift, he added.
On the fateful day, Mahesh lured the victim with chocolate while she was playing in front of her house and took her to his room. In a chilling confession, Mahesh told the police that he raped and then strangulated her. He kept the body in the room till midnight. Under the cover of darkness, he dumped it at an isolated place. The next day, Mahesh went to work as usual, while the residents of the area began searching for the missing girl.
Meanwhile, a special team headed by Mr. Subbanna rounded up around 80 youth from in and around the area, excluding Mahesh. One of them tipped the police about Mahesh’s behaviour saying he had even invited him to indulge in such acts.
The police picked up Mahesh from his workplace and he confessed to the crime. He was produced before the magistrate and taken into custody for further investigations, Mr. Subbanna said.
