Bhubaneswar: A person reportedly tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire after a youth allegedly tried to rape his daughter at their house in Bharatpur area on the outskirts of Odisha capital.

Though the shocking incident had taken place on December 16, it came to fore yesterday as the parents of the girl, a class-VII student, lodged a complaint with Khandagiri police after her father got discharged from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack post treatment for burn injuries.

According to reports, a youth named Pintu Behera alias Tian of the locality barged into the house while the girl was watching TV after returning from school.

"He forcibly covered my mouth with his palms and undressed me. My father reached the spot in the meantime following which he (Pintu) ran away," said the victim.

Though her father went to Pintu's house to confront him, the accused's aunt abused the former.

"Pintu’s aunt hurled abuses at my husband and made objectionable and lewd remarks on my daughter. Unable to bear the insult, he returned home and took the extreme step by trying self-immolating. He was rescued by some neighbours and hospitalised. I have lodged a complaint with police and I want justice."

Investigation into the matter is on, a police official said.