Lanjigarh: In a horrific incident, two minor boys set a Class-X girl student of their neighbourhood on fire after she resisted their attempt to molest her.
The incident took place at Madhupur village under Narla police limits and this block in Kalahandi district Wednesday, a report said Thursday.
The victim, also a minor, sustained 90 per cent burn injuries and was rushed to the district headquarters hospital in Bhawanipatna.
Doctors administered her primary treatment and referred her to Burla-based VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR).
The girl is now battling for her life with her family members fervently praying for her recovery.
No complaint was lodged in the police station yet. However, the police started a probe taking suo motu cognisance of the matter and detained the two minor boys for interrogation, Kesinga sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Jagmohan Meena said.
The incident has spread shockwaves in the area with the residents demanded stringent punishment for the accused boys.
The incident occurred when the girl had gone outside her home to relieve herself. The boys living in the neighbourhood made lewd comments at her.
The girl pulled them up for their inappropriate behaviour and narrated the incident before her parents. Angered over the development, the girl’s father immediately informed the matter to the villagers at the panchayat office. Her mother too came out of home and brought the matter to the notice of neighbours.
Taking advantage of the absence of the girl’s parents, the boys entered the house and tried to molest her. However, the girl resisted with all her might. After failing in their attempt, the boys doused the girl with kerosene and set her ablaze before fleeing the spot.
Villagers claimed the incident was the fallout of a longstanding enmity between the families of the girl and the boys.
“The two boys committed the crime in an act of revenge,” the villagers added. PNN
