Thiruvananthapuram: A teenage girl sustained severe injuries after a young man allegedly stabbed her in an apparent attempt to murder her for rejecting his romantic advances. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm on Tuesday at Kanyakulangara near Vattappara.
Vattappara police confirmed that the accused, identified as Sahad (21) of Panavoor, was arrested late Tuesday night while attempting to go into hiding with a relative. The knife allegedly used in the attack was recovered from the crime scene.
The victim, a plus-two student of Neduveli Higher Secondary School from Kanyakulangara, suffered deep wounds to her neck and face. She was rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), where her condition is reported to be stable.
According to police, Sahad had been persistently stalking the girl despite her repeated rejections of his proposal. On Tuesday, he allegedly arrived in a car and waited near her house. When she stepped out to collect a book from a nearby location, he intercepted her in a secluded area and attacked her with a knife.
Police suspect a struggle occurred before the attack, as signs of a scuffle were found at the scene. Hearing the girl's cries for help, residents rushed to her aid and shifted her to the MCH.
After the attack, Sahad fled the scene. While escaping, his speeding car collided head-on with another vehicle, but he continued driving.
Vattappara police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, and launched an intensive search. CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined, while statements from witnesses and the victim's family members are being recorded.
Police said the investigation indicates that the attack was planned and motivated by the accused's anger over the girl's repeated refusal to enter a relationship. They are also probing whether Sahad had been stalking or harassing the victim before the incident.
Investigators revealed that Sahad has a criminal history and is an accused in several other cases, including a Pocso case registered at the Nedumangad police station. He will be produced before the magistrate on Wednesday.
