In a shocking incident, a seven-year-old mentally challenged girl was raped by a 54-year-old daily wage labourer in Bengaluru’s HAL police station limits.

According to the victim's father, who is a taxi driver, neighbour Shivappa was caught red-handed while forcing himself on the minor girl.

"My wife, a housemaid had gone out to a nearby house. My 17-year-old son had gone to college, so he had locked the house from outside and informed my wife to come soon. On her return when she opened the door she found Shivappa doing the cruel act. The accused escaped and she found my daughter bleeding from her private parts. It happened in just 10 minutes. We were sure about the rape and soon complained to the police. The girl was taken to Bowring Hospital for treatment," Ramu, the victim’s father, said.

The girl is studying at a special school and since his father could not afford to pay the school fee for the month of July, he wanted to keep her at home for some days and send her to school from next week.

Taking advantage of the situation, the accused entered and allegedly sexually assaulted her.

Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital authorities said that the victim underwent medical tests and reports are awaited.

"She is doing fine now. Since the victim is mentally unstable, her mother has given the statement to the police. Our report will also be attached with it," said a senior doctor.

The police said that the incident happened on Monday morning (30 July) and the accused had escaped to Bidadi, about 40 kilometres from Bengaluru. He was traced from clues provided by his house owner and the phone calls.

A case under POCSO and other sections have been filed and he has been sent to 14-day judicial custody.