A three-and-half-year old girl, studying at an aganwadi centre, was allegedly raped and murdered in Karimnagar district of Telangana by her neighbour, police said on Sunday.

The girl's body was found in the house of the accused Venkat Swamy in Damarkuntla village under Kataram police station limits late last night and it was identified today, Sub-Inspector Ramesh said.

After the body was recovered, her parents lodged a complaint accusing Swamy of raping and murdering her, he said.

Based on the complaint, a case under section 376 (rape) and 302 (murder) of IPC has been registered, the SI said.

As per preliminary information, the absconding accused called the girl to his house by offering her chocolates, Ramesh added.

Efforts are on to nab the accused and investigations are underway, police said.