The 17-year-old girl, admitted to Government General Hospital here, is battling for life after setting herself afire at her home last night. She has sustained 70 per cent burns, police said.
The girl's parents, who are daily wage earners, went out for work yesterday when a youth entered their house at Donka road in Arundelpet area and allegedly molested her while another youth guarded the house from outside.
The girl raised an alarm and attacked the youth with a stick, following which the neighbours rushed to her rescue.
Last night, the girl's father went to protest at the house of the youth where the latter and his accomplices thrashed the man.
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Upset over the events, the girl then tried to kill herself my setting herself ablaze.
She was rushed to Government General Hospital, where doctors said her condition was critical.
While the incident was not reported to police earlier, it came to light when the hospital informed police about it.
Subsequently, a police official spoke to the victim at the hospital and a case was registered.
Further investigation was on, police added.