KATTAPPANA: A 16-year-old Dalit girl, who attempted suicide by setting herself on fire after being sexually abused by a DYFI worker, has finally succumbed to her injuries. The girl, who suffered 40 percent burns, was undergoing treatment at the Medical College Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. Her health worsened by Friday night and death occurred on Saturday morning. Manu Manoj, the DYFI worker who abused the girl, is in remand custody.

The girl's relatives had lodged a complaint with the Kattappana police on May 22. Manu went into hiding after the Kattappana DySP launched an investigation. On October 23, the girl went into the toilet of the house, poured kerosene on her body and set herself on fire. She was first rushed to a private hospital in Kattappana and then moved to Kottayam Medical College Hospital. The girl was later shifted to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.

Manu surrendered at the DySP office on October 24. He has been charged under various sections of the POCSO act.

The body will be moved to the girl's home after COVID examination and post mortem.