16-year-old sets herself on fire after rape
Ghaziabad: A 16-year-old Dalit girl set herself on fire after being raped by a youth in Bamheta village on Tuesday evening. The girl suffered 40% burns injuries and was admitted to a nearby hospital, where doctors said her condition was critical.
According to police, the accused youth, identified as Babloo, barged into the girl’s house on Tuesday evening when she was alone.
He then allegedly raped her while his friend Amit stood guard at the gate.
“The accused fled on seeing the girl’s brother arriving, but shortly after the crime, the girl set herself on fire,” said Ashok Sisodiya, SHO, Kavi Nagar police station. “She was taken to Sudarshan hospital and her family members lodged an FIR on Wednesday morning. They named 17-year-old Babloo and 20-year-old Amit as the accused,” Sisodiya said.
“Accused Babloo has been arrested while the other accused is at large,” Sisodiya said. The accused have been charged under Section 376 of the IPC, and under the POCSO Act and SC/ST Act.
Meanwhile, doctors treating the girl said she remains in a serious condition. “She has suffered 40% burns injuries and has shown marginal improvement,” the doctor treating her said.