A minor tribal girl who was allegedly molested and assaulted by a youth about a fortnight back at a village under Kalchini police station limits of Alipurduar district, died at health centre on Wednesday morning.

During preliminary investigation, police have come to know that the girl died from lack of proper treatment.

Sources said on April 28, Sourav Ekka, a neighbour of the 12-year-old girl, entered her house when she was alone. Her father stays outside and her mother was hospitalised.

He allegedly molested the girl who in retaliation, bit his his right hand. Sourav then reportedly beat up the girl with a stick on the head. As she collapsed on the spot, he fled.

Some of her relatives and neighbours went to quacks for her treatment. On Tuesday night, her condition worsened.

She was taken to the health centre in Latabari, where her mother is admitted, and died on Wednesday morning.

Sourav has been arrested.

“We suspect the girl didn’t get proper treatment. Our officers will speak with doctors to gather more information,” said a police officer.

After her death, her family members filed a complaint with the police. A team led by Kuntal Banerjee, the additional SP of Jaigaon, launched a search for Sourav.

He was soon arrested.

Later in the afternoon, he was produced at the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court. The court heard the case and has sent him to police custody for five days.

“The victim’s body has been sent to Alipurduar district hospital for post mortem. Unfortunately, no one informed us earlier otherwise we could have arrest the accused and the victim should have been provided with proper medical treatment,” said Y. Raghubhamshi, SP, Alipurduar.