An eight‑month‑old baby girl has been raped, allegedly by her cousin, in the Indian capital Delhi.

Police say she is in a critical condition after being admitted to hospital on Monday.

They have arrested the 28‑year‑old cousin.

According to the BBC, Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal who visited the girl described her injuries as "horrific".

The debate over sexual violence in India has grown after the fatal gang-rape of a female student in 2012.

The rape of the baby girl happened on Monday but came to light yesterday after local media reported it.

2016 saw 19,765 cases of child rape being registered in India ‑ a rise of 82% from 2015 when 10,854 cases were recorded.

Source: BBC