Lucknow - A 17-year-old girl has been hospitalized with critical injuries after setting herself on fire following an alleged assault by a neighbor in Lucknow's Malihabad area, police reported on Sunday.

According to authorities, the girl was alone at home when the accused, identified as 23-year-old Rahul, allegedly entered her house and assaulted her. Family members stated that Rahul fled the scene when the girl raised an alarm, after which, deeply distressed by the incident, she set herself ablaze.

Neighbors responded to her screams, rushing to extinguish the flames before her parents returned from a hospital visit. The victim was immediately transported to the civil hospital, where doctors reported she has sustained 60 percent burns and remains in critical condition.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishwajeet Shrivastava confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

"On the basis of the complaint, we have filed case number 56/2025 under relevant sections at Malihabad police station. Legal proceedings are underway, and efforts to apprehend the accused are ongoing," the DCP stated.

The girl's father, who works as a private driver, explained that he and his wife had gone to the hospital due to his health issues, leaving their daughter temporarily alone. The family has called for strict action against the accused as police continue their investigation and search operations.