Thiruvananthapuram, 16 June (H.S.):A 16-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly stabbed by a youth after she rejected his advances in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, police said.

The incident took place around 1 p.m. at Kanyakulangara near the state capital. The victim, a Plus Two student, had reportedly stepped out of her school during the lunch break when she was attacked.

According to police, the accused has been identified as Fahad, a native of Panavoor. He allegedly confronted the girl and stabbed her in the neck and abdomen with a sharp weapon before fleeing the scene.

Local residents rushed to the girl's aid and shifted her to the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Hospital sources said her injuries were not life-threatening and that she was undergoing treatment. Her condition is reported to be stable.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was triggered by the girl's refusal to reciprocate the accused's romantic interest. However, police said all angles are being examined as part of the investigation.

The accused escaped immediately after the attack, prompting a manhunt by the police. Teams have been deployed to trace his whereabouts and secure his arrest.

The Vattappara Police have registered a case and launched a detailed investigation. Officers are scrutinising CCTV footage from the area to reconstruct the sequence of events and track the movements of the suspect before and after the attack.

The incident has sparked concern among local residents and parents, coming as it did in broad daylight and near a school. Police said efforts to apprehend the accused have been intensified and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Officials said more details are expected to emerge once witnesses are questioned and evidence collected from the scene is analysed.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman