A 23-year-old woman was set on fire by a neighbour allegedly after a failed rape attempt in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur on Saturday, December 7.

The woman was alone at her home in a village in Ahiyapur police station area on Saturday night when the accused allegedly tried to rape her. When she resisted, he allegedly set her ablaze. The woman who received over 50 per cent burn injury was admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital(SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur town.

“The girl is critical and will now be treated at SKMCH’s dedicated burn ward, and she had sustained serious injuries on her face and lungs,” Suman Jha, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), was quoted by Hindustan Times.

Based on a complaint filed by the woman’s mother, the police has arrested the accused. According to the victim’s mother, the accused had been harassing her daughter for the last three years. No action was taken despite victims mother filing several complaints at the local police station.

Muzaffarpur SSP Jayant Kant confirmed the arrest of the main accused. “He will be sent to judicial custody,” said the SSP.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the accused had been stalking the victim after she rejected his proposals. The accused had also forcibly entered her house on the day of Chhath Puja festival and tried to outrage her modesty. Fearing the advances by the accused, the woman had also stopped attending coaching and college classes.

Also Read: Unnao Rape Victim Passes Away, Day After Being Set On Fire By Her Alleged Rapists