Indian woman set on fire in 'rape attempt'

A young woman was allegedly set on fire by her neighbour after she resisted his attempt to rape her in Muzzaffarpur town in Bihar, an Indian police officer said today. 

The 23-year-old victim, who suffered 50 per cent burns in the incident, was currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, he said.

Based on a complaint filed by her mother with the police, our New Delhi correspondent reports quoting Vikas Rai, Station House Officer (SHO).

The accused has been arrested, the police official said.

According to the complaint, the woman was alone at home on Saturday, when the accused, who live close by, sneaked into her house and tried to rape her.

Her mother -- who works at a primary health centre -- rushed home and took her to a hospital after a local informed her about the incident, the SHO added.

The incident came less than a week after charred bodies of two women, set afire after suspected rape and murder, were found in Buxar and Samastipur districts of Bihar.