Pregnant Indian teen allegedly set on fire by accused rapist, his mom

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Another grim reminder of the continuing violent treatment of women in India.

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CNN reports a 15-year-old girl is in a northern India hospital after allegedly being set on fire by her 18-year-old accused rapist, who also reportedly impregnated her three months ago during the sexual assault, and his mother.

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An Uttar Pradesh senior police official told CNN the son-mother duo were arrested for suspicion of attempted murder on Monday after they allegedly poured kerosene on the girl and set her on fire on Oct. 6.

Official Kamlesh Kumar Dixit said the two families had even discussed the victim and her alleged attacker – who were cousins – getting married after learning she was with child.

The Press Trust of India reported police as saying the victim was called to the alleged rapist’s abode on the possibility of marriage when she was allegedly set ablaze.

Anti-violence advocates say the alleged involvement of a woman in this case shows just how ingrained misogyny is in India’s society.

“I’ve become so numb to stories like this. There is a lack of empathy in our country,” New Delhi anti-rape activist Yogita Bhayana  told CNN.

“For years, we have been trying to change things. This case demonstrates a failure of our system. The girl should have been helped.”

The girl’s condition and the status of her pregnancy are unknown.