T’puram: A teen girl was seriously injured after a youth allegedly stabbed her in an apparent attempt to murder her for rejecting his romantic advances around 12.30pm at Kanyakulangara near Vattappara on Tuesday. Vattappara police said the accused was arrested late on Tuesday while he tried to go into hiding along with a relative.The accused has been identified as Sahad (21) of Panavoor. Police recovered the knife allegedly used for the attack from the crime scene.The victim, a plus two student of Neduveli Higher Secondary School from Kanyakulangara, sustained deep injuries to her neck and face. She was rushed to the Thiruvananthapuram Govt Medical College Hospital (MCH), where her condition is reported to be stable.Police said Sahad had been persistently stalking the girl despite her repeatedly rejecting his proposal. On Tuesday, he allegedly arrived in a car and waited near the girl’s house. When she stepped out to collect a book from a nearby location, he allegedly 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 kept going.Vattappara police have registered a case under the relevant provisions of 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 get into a relationship. They are also probing whether Sahad had been stalking or harassing the victim before the incident.Investigators said 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.
