Kochi: Police have stepped up their investigation into the deaths of a six-year-old girl and her father in Elamakkara after a post-mortem examination revealed that the child had been sexually assaulted prior to her death in January.

The father and daughter were found dead at their rented home on 16 January. Police said the girl was allegedly poisoned before her father died by suicide.

According to officers, the autopsy report indicated that the child had allegedly been subjected to sexual assault over the past year. Following the findings, investigators have added charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to the case, which had initially been registered as an unnatural death.

The child’s mother has told investigators that the family was unaware of any such abuse. She also informed police that she had argued with her husband over a financial matter on the day the two were found dead.

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An officer at Elamakkara police station said statements would be recorded from relatives and others close to the family as part of the expanded inquiry. Police also plan to question teachers at the school the child attended.

Investigators have begun examining CCTV footage to determine whether anyone visited the house on the day of the deaths.

Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.