According to the police, the incident took place on November 3 in Sasan village of Hamirpur district.

The woman was cutting grass in a nearby field when the accused -- a student of Class 9 -- forcibly grabbed her and tried to sexually assault her.

When she resisted, he brutally attacked her with a stick and a sickle, inflicting severe injuries, they added.

The villagers saw the woman lying in the field, bleeding profusely.

They informed police, who rushed her to Hamirpur Medical College for treatment, from where she was referred to PGI Chandigarh.

Police found pieces of a broken pen and a scale at the crime scene.

During questioning, the accused confessed to the crime, they said.

The evidence found at the spot suggests the accused committed the act with the intention of sexual assault, police said, adding that a case has been registered.