A 37-year-old married Turkish man allegedly shot his teenage cousin because she declined his proposal to be his second wife.

Emine Karakas, a 16-year-old high school student who was shot in the district of Bismil in the Turkish province of Diyarbakir on 4th February, is in a critical condition in hospital as the suspect remains at large.

The victim’s cousin, Aslan Karakas, 37, reportedly wanted the teen as his second wife despite already being married and fathering seven children.

Under Turkish law, citizens can only marry one person, however religious marriages are carried out by some men who want a second or third wife and are accepted in some parts of society.

According to the news site Yerelin Gundemi, the suspect’s first wife was aware of his wish to marry his teen cousin and even supported the decision.

However, Emine refused his hand in marriage and said she saw him very much as a big brother and not a husband.

Infuriated at being rejected, Aslan reportedly confronted the teen and her mother Nurcan while they were out shopping on 4th February.

Without saying a word, the father-of-seven allegedly fired three shots at the teen and fled the scene.

Emine was taken to the Dicle University Medical Faculty Hospital where she remains in a critical condition.

According to Yerelin Gundemi, Aslan is still missing after the attack.

The victim’s mother said: “I beg you people to support me. Help catch Aslan Karakas who shot my daughter. His family knows where he is. They are trying to cover up this incident, but I will not give up on this case.

“This man is a villain, please make my voice heard. Find this guy and punish him. My daughter doesn’t open her eyes anymore. She is going to die. Please do not let her die twice. Help us.”

The police have yet to issue a statement on why the suspect has not been found yet or provided any details on the progress of the investigation.