Indian girl dies after being set on fire during attempted rape

AN 11-YEAR-OLD girl who was set on fire during an attempted rape in easte India has died of her injuries easte India.

The girl was admitted to a govement-run hospital in Kolkata with critical bus after the incident in Howrah district on Wednesday, the IANS news agency reported.

On Saturday, the police arrested an 18-year-old suspect, the Times of India reported. He and an accomplice, who is still being sought, were named by the victim.

Police said the suspects allegedly attempted to rape the girl outside her home. When she resisted and threatened to reveal his identity, the 18-year-old poured kerosene over her and set her on fire.

However, the suspect told investigators that his accomplice had poured the kerosene and set her ablaze, the Times said. Police are currently trying to verify his claim, Howrah police spokesman Jayeeta Bose told the newspaper.

Activists say attacks on women and girls continue unabated in India despite new anti-rape laws, and blame police laxity in preventing such crimes.

Sexual violence has been a focus of attention since the fatal gang rape of a student on a bus in New Delhi last December triggered mass protests.

In this December 29, 2012 photo, Indian women participate in a silent procession to mou the death of a New Delhi gang rape victim.