Ghaziabad, Apr 1 (IANS): Tension has gripped the Indirapuram area of Ghaziabad after the body of a five-year-old girl was found here. The residents said that she was raped and killed, allegedly by a man from a different community -- further worsening the situation.

The daughter of a priest in the area, the young girl had been missing since Thursday and her body was found around Friday midnight. The police recovered the body from a half-constructed house, which was located opposite where the girl lived.

The residents say that she was raped and murdered, allegedly by a man named Afroz, who was working as a mason nearby. The further angered the residents, who protested and raised slogans on the roads.

The residents of Kinaoni raised slogans outside the Indirapuram police station here, complaining that despite the girl missing since Thursday, the police did not swing into action and that they were apathetic towards the incident.

The 36-hours of lack of action by the authorities, according to the residents, led to the murder and alleged rape of the 5-year-old.

The police, however, hasn't confirmed the rape allegation.

"We have registered the case and raids are being conducted to nab the culprit. The allegation of rape could only be confirmed after the post mortem report has reached us," said SP City Salman Taj Patil.

"But the crime is grave and we will arrest the culprit at the earliest," he added.

The residents said that the accused Afroz earlier lived in the priest's house as a tenant but he was asked to leave after a spat with the priest.

According to the residents, Afroz, who had moved to a nearby house, may have committed the crime to avenge the humiliation.

Tension gripped the entire area and heavy police force was deployed for extensive patrolling. Salman Taj Patil also camped in the area throug the night to maintain law and order.