The girl is related to the deceased and certain family members demanded action against her for murdering Ajithkumar. “Investigation confirmed that there was no other motive for her action but defend herself from the man who tried to unleash a sexual attack on her. But her family members are split in opinion. So, we have sent her to a government home for her protection. The girl is still recovering from the trauma,” an official said.

The official added that the girl would be sent home after holding talks with family members. “Legal opinion has been sought whether to state she killed the man in self-defence in the charge sheet or just state the incident,” added the official.

The girl killed 24-year-old Ajithkumar on Saturday night when the latter tried to rape her at knifepoint in a village near Minjur. She surrendered herself at a police station.