Patna Teenager Succumbs to Severe Burn Injuries Following Alleged Attack
A tragic incident has shaken the community in Patna as a 17-year-old girl succumbed to severe burn injuries late on Thursday night. The victim, a Class 10 student, passed away nearly a week after she was allegedly set on fire by a young man following a dispute. The incident occurred on January 17 in the Gopalpur police station area, and the victim had been undergoing intensive treatment at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) before her death after six days of struggle.
Details of the Alleged Attack and Police Response
According to police reports, the victim alleged that a man from her same village intercepted her on the road and insisted on speaking with her. When she resisted his advances, he allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze using a matchstick on Bairiya Main Road. The victim reportedly screamed for help before losing consciousness, prompting local residents and family members to rush her to the hospital immediately.
Patna Sadar SDPO-2 Ranjan Kumar provided crucial details about the case. A formal complaint was lodged by the victim's mother at Gopalpur police station on January 18, nearly 24 hours after the incident occurred on the evening of January 17. Based on the victim's statement, police registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation.
Investigation Progress and Legal Proceedings
Following the registration of the FIR, police teams reached the crime scene and collected evidence with assistance from a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team. The accused surrendered before a court on January 23, marking a significant development in the case. Police are investigating the incident from all angles to establish the complete sequence of events and determine the precise motive behind this horrific act.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the victim and accused were known to each other and had been in contact previously. However, officials emphasized that the exact nature of their relationship will only become clear once the investigation is completed. The SDPO confirmed that the victim had sustained approximately 72% burn injuries, which ultimately proved fatal despite medical intervention.
Background of the Victim and Aftermath
The teenage victim had been living at her maternal grandmother's house in Bairiya for her studies before shifting with her family to a nearby rented accommodation. After her tragic death, police took custody of the body and sent it to NMCH for a post-mortem examination to gather additional evidence for the ongoing investigation.
This heartbreaking case highlights the vulnerability of young women in certain situations and raises important questions about community safety and prompt police response. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure justice is served for the victim and her grieving family.
