Shimla, India: In what many are considering one of the most horrific crimes of this year, a 5-year-old girl was raped by her 56-year-old neighbor.

According to reports, the incident happened on May 20, 2020, in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

The police confirmed the incident and added that the man has been arrested by the police.

The man was arrested based on a complaint that was lodged by the mother of the 5-year-old girl.

Gaurav Singh, the Superintendent of Police, said that the mother of the 5-year-old girl said that the 56-year-old neighbor sexually assaulted the minor when she was alone at their house.

Superintendent Singh said an FIR (First Information Report) has been registered against the 56-year-old man at the Kullu Police Station.

The man is currently facing charges under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

An official investigation has been launched.

Authorities did not reveal the name of the 56-year-old man nor did they confirm if the minor girl underwent through a medical examination that would confirm if she was sexually assaulted or raped by the elderly man.