Kolenchery (Ernakulam): The ongoing investigation into the death of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl in Ernakulam has taken a crucial turn after police revealed that the child’s uncle had been sexually abusing her over an extended period.

The revelation comes days after the girl was allegedly thrown into a river and killed by her mother. According to police, the accused, who is the brother of the girl’s father, has confessed to the crime.

He told police he had been sexually abusing the child for the past one and a half years and admitted to assaulting her on the day she was killed.

The uncle was reportedly very close to the child and used this to exploit her. Initially, he denied any wrongdoing, but later confessed after the probing team produced forensic and digital evidence.

Police seized the accused’s mobile phone, which reportedly contained disturbing pornographic material. Officials suspect the man has deep-rooted sexual deviance. It is reported that the police have found obscene videos on his phone.