In a shocking incident, a two-year-old girl of Banchra community was raped by three men in a village in Ratlam district on Sunday evening. A case under Section 376 of IPC has been lodged and the police have arrested one of the accused. The sexual assault took place at Balakheda village, adjoining the Mhow- Neemuch highway in Jaora, about 45 km West of Ratlam. The incident comes barely after a week of sexual abuse and killing of six-year-old Shivani by her foster parents at Indore.

According to police sources, three youths came on a motorbike and lured the girl with chocolate. They took her behind a house and raped her.

The girl bleeding profusely and was taken to the government hospital immediately from where she was referred to the district hospital in Ratlam. Ratlam SP Raman Singh said Somesh Mali has been arrested while Lokesh Mali and an unidentified person are absconding.

Civil surgeon Ratlam, Dr Deep Vyas said girl has developed serious wounds and she has been admitted in the female ward. He is reported to be out of danger.

Anita (name changed), mother of the girl told HT that she was cooking in the house while her daughter was playing outside when she was picked up by the three men. The motorcycle used by the culprits has been recovered from the spot.