A disabled 12-year-old girl was allegedly raped and beheaded by her cousin in India before her body was found dumped at a pond.
The attack is alleged to have happened in the Dantiwada area of Banaskantha district on Saturday.
A day before a headless body was found near the rural pond, the girl was reported missing to police.
Dr Kushal Ojha, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said: "The case came to light when Dantiwada police found a decapitated body near the pond near Moti Bhakhar village.
"A day earlier, police were informed of the disappearance of a 12-year-old girl from the area.
"On the morning of October 17, the body of a minor was found in the border of Moti Bhakhar village.
"The police also found the severed head of the girl at some distance of the body. On investigation, it was confirmed that the body was of the missing girl."
A 25-year-old man named as Nitin Mali has been arrested and is under investigation.
Dr Ojha added: "In CCTV footage the accused Nitin Mali (25), cousin of the deceased, was found to be riding with the victim on his bike.
"Primary investigation revealed that Nitin, raped the victim and later beheaded her due to the fear of getting exposed,", as reported by the Indian Express.
National Commission for Women representative Rajulben Desai also visited the area where the girl's body was discovered.
She said: "The increasing incidence of atrocities and rapes against women, especially minors, is of great concern to society."
The youngster's body has been sent for post-mortem.