Amravati, Jul 9 A one-and half-year-old girl was raped and murdered allegedly by a 38-year-old man near here, police said today.

The incident occurred last night at village Dongar Yawali in this Eastern Maharashtra district.

The victim, who belonged to a poor family from Madhya Pradesh which had migrated here in search of job, was kidnapped from her house when she was fast asleep with her parents, they said.

Sanjay Namdev Gajbhiye took the girl to a nearby farm and sexually assulted the baby. He then crushed her head with a stone and threw the body in a well, police alleged.

The victim's father works as a watchman.

Gajbhiye has been arrested. Police claimed he has confessed to the crime.

As the news of rape-and-murder spread, tension gripped the village. A large crowd gathered at the local police station and demanded strict action against the culprit.

- (Agencies)