Nagpur: A college-bound minor girl was brutally attacked near Ashok Chowk after a youth, allegedly infatuated with her, attempted to kill her using a hammer and a sharp weapon on Monday. Imamwada Police have arrested the accused following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father.

According to the police, the 17-year-old girl was regularly harassed by the accused, identified as Suraj Krishnaprasad Shukla (26), resident of Imamwada. He had been stalking her and expressing unwanted romantic interest, making obscene remarks and behaving inappropriately when she was on her way to college. The girl informed her family, who confronted the accused’s parents over his misconduct.

Harbouring anger over this confrontation, Shukla allegedly attacked the girl on November 17 around 9 am. As she was heading to college, he intercepted her near Ashok Chowk. Police said he struck her on the back of the head with an iron hammer and then attacked her neck and cheek with a knife-like weapon, attempting to kill her.

The severely injured teen was rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.

Based on the father’s complaint, Imamwada Police registered a case under Sections 109, 75, and 78 of the BNS along with Sections 8 and 12 of the POCSO Act. The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.