Lucknow: A 17-year-old girl in Lucknow’s Malihabad area reportedly set herself on fire after allegedly being assaulted by a neighbor. She is currently in critical condition at the civil hospital.
Authorities state that the accused, 23-year-old Rahul, allegedly entered the girl’s home while she was alone and assaulted her. The girl’s family claims that he fled the scene when she screamed for help. Overcome with shame and distress from the incident, the girl then set herself ablaze, according to her family.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Lucknow, Vishwajeet Shrivastava, confirmed that a case has been filed against Rahul, and efforts are ongoing to locate him. An FIR (No. 56/2025) has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act at the Malihabad police station.
The girl’s father, a private driver, explained that he and his wife had left for the hospital due to his health issues, leaving their daughter alone. During their absence, Rahul allegedly assaulted her. Neighbors responded to her cries and managed to extinguish the flames. Her parents rushed back to the hospital upon hearing the news and took her for treatment.
Doctors report that she has suffered burns covering 60% of her body and remains in critical condition. The victim’s family is demanding severe punishment for the accused, while police continue their search and investigation.