Bangalore: The police have detained a 12-year-old boy on charges of raping a three-year-old girl from the neighbourhood.

The boy, a sixth standard student, after returning from school on Saturday, went and brought the girl home on the pretext of playing with her and allegedly sexually assaulted her.

The accused later dropped the girl back at her house and returned home. The boy’s parents were away at work when the incident took place, the police said.

The incident came to light when the victim’s parents noticed the girl crying incessantly and rushed her to a nearby doctor, who upon examination, confirmed the assault, the police said.

Based on the complaint, the police detained the boy and upon questioning he reportedly confessed to the crime, police added.

The boy and the victim were subjected to medical examination and the police are waiting for the report to take further action.

Meanwhile, the boy has been referred to Government Home for the Boys.