AKIPRESS.COM - The brutal gang rape and murder of an eight-year old girl has sparked outrage and anger across India, BBC reports.

The body of Asifa Bano, who belonged to a Muslim nomadic tribe, was found in a forest on 17 January near Kathua city of Indian-administered Kashmir.

The story made national headlines this week after Hindu right-wing groups protested the arrest of the accused, who also belonged to a Hindu community.

People are angry that a gruesome crime has become a religious flashpoint.

Police have arrested eight men, including a retired government official, four police officers and a juvenile in connection with Asifa's death.