QUETTA: Two Christian women suffered burn injuries when a man threw acid on them here on Friday.

The incident took place near Basti Panchyat area on MeCongi Road in broad daylight and in presence of hundreds of people.

According to police, Hina Masih, 16, and Rimsha Masih, 28, were going home when the man threw acid on them and escaped.

The incident took place in presence of hundreds of people

The women were taken to Lady Dufferin Hospital and after initial treatment shifted to the burns ward of Bolan Medical College Hospital.

Hina suffered burns in hands and legs while Rimsha, who is married, in face and hands, hospital sources said, adding that Hina burnt 15 per cent while Rimsha 30pc.

Police arrested Vijay Pervez Masih on the complaint of the victims.

“The accused is a sweeper and lives in Brewery Road area,” Abdul Razzak Cheema, the Quetta police chief, said, adding that because of the nature of his job he had acid with him which he used to injure the two women.

A case has been registered against the accused under Section 336-93/15 of the PPC and Section 7 of the ATA at the City Police Station Quetta.

“Investigation is under way to ascertain the cause of the acid attack,” Mr Cheema said, adding that personal enmity could not be ruled out.

Meanwhile, Sehrish, elder sister of Hina, told police that a week ago she had exchanged harsh words with Vijay Masih after he hit her with his bike on Brewery Road. The man, she alleged, had threatened her with dire consequences.

Rimsha is sister-in-law of Sehrish.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2015

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