A 17-year-old girl was set on fire by a jilted lover in Gandarh village of Kangra district after she rejected his marriage proposal. The victim has suffered 40% burn injuries and has been admitted to Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital, Tanda, for treatment. Her condition is said to be stable.

Accused Krishan Chand (28), a resident of Gandarh village, has been arrested and police has registered a case under Section 307 of IPC at Lambagaon police station under Palampur subdivision.

Police said that the victim and her nine-year-old brother were home at the time of incident and accused entered the house and asked the girl to marry him. When she refused, accused sprinkled kerosene on her and set her on fire.

Hearing her cries, neighbours rushed in to save the victim. She was taken to primary health centre at Thural from where she was referred to Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College and Hospital, Tanda.