Teenager Fights Back to Protect Herself, Neighbour Dies in Alleged Self-Defence Incident in Banda

In a rare and deeply unsettling incident, an 18-year-old girl from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh allegedly killed her neighbour while resisting what police say was an attempted sexual assault.

The episode, which unfolded on New Year’s Day, has brought into sharp focus questions of self-defence, vulnerability, and the circumstances under which a victim is forced to act to protect her dignity and life.

According to police officials, the incident occurred when a 45-year-old farmer, who lived in the same neighbourhood, allegedly entered the girl’s house in an intoxicated condition while she was alone.

The girl’s mother had gone to the fields, leaving her by herself at home. The man reportedly shut the door and attempted to sexually assault her.

Police said the teenager initially tried to escape but was unable to get out. Faced with an imminent threat, she allegedly picked up an axe lying in the house and struck the man in an attempt to defend herself.

The blows proved fatal. Investigators said that after the man collapsed, she allegedly hit him with a stick as well, before realising he was no longer moving.

Girl Walks to Police Outpost and Surrenders

Soon after the incident, the girl reportedly went on her own to a nearby police outpost and narrated what had happened.

Acting on the information, police reached the house, recovered the body, and took it into custody for post-mortem and other legal formalities. The girl was subsequently taken into custody.

Superintendent of Police Palash Agarwal said that the evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation points towards an act of self-defence.

“All available material suggests that the girl acted to protect herself. The complete facts and evidence will be placed before the court, which will take a final view,” he said.

What the Preliminary Probe Revealed

During the initial inquiry, police found that the deceased man was known to the family and often visited the house to meet the girl’s mother.

On Thursday afternoon, he allegedly came on the pretext of some work and stayed back when the mother went out. Officers said the man was heavily intoxicated at the time.

Investigators believe that the assault attempt took place after he bolted the door from inside.

The girl’s statement indicates that she resisted and fought back only after all attempts to flee failed.

Family Background

Police said the girl lives with her mother and lost her father a few years ago. She had discontinued her studies after completing her intermediate education.

Officers said her social and economic vulnerability would also be placed before the court as part of the overall assessment of the case.

Legal Course Ahead

Based on a complaint filed by the deceased man’s wife, police have registered a case of murder against the girl, as mandated by procedure.

However, senior officers clarified that the prosecution would inform the court that the incident occurred while the teenager was allegedly defending herself against a sexual assault attempt.

The girl is scheduled to be produced before a magistrate on Friday, where the court will decide the further course of action after examining the police version, medical reports, and other evidence.

The case has sparked quiet discussions locally about women’s safety in rural areas and the harsh realities faced by young women left alone at home.

While the law will now take its course, police officials reiterated that the circumstances suggest a desperate act of self-preservation rather than criminal intent.

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