A 16-year-old Dalit athlete was allegedly raped by a youth of his neighbouring village while she was exercising with her younger sister.

The accused Charnpreet Singh has been arrested, SSP (Khanna) Sushil Kumar said.

The girl was forcibly taken to a secluded place in Palmajra village, some 45 kms from here, yesterday by the 22-year-old accused, who then sexually assaulted her, he said.

Her younger sister, who was with the athlete, informed the matter to her parents, who then rushed to the spot.