India, June 9 -- The man accused of raping and killing a nine-year-old girl in Dayalpur has in the past tried to lure at least two other minor girls, aged between 12 and 14, residents of the area have alleged.

In Saturday night's grisly crime, locals alleged that the accused had deliberately thrown his keys on the road and requested the girl to bring them to his second floor house -- a tactic he has used in the past, they said. Police are yet to verify the claims.

One of the minor girls who he tried to persuade was a 13-year-old cousin of the victim.

"While one girl ignored his request and went away, the other girl up the keys, walked some steps into the building, but returned as she became frightened of dark staircase. The girl left t...