PESHAWAR: Four people were killed and as many injured when rival groups clashed at a mosque here late on Thursday, police said.

The incident took place in Qasabano Ghari area falling in the limits of the Mathra police station at around 9.30pm.

The police said that the rival parties had a heated exchange over recitation of holy Quran, but afterwards they dispersed. However, later Muzzamil, Faridullah, Rafat, Liaqat Ali Shah, Ghani Shah, Sartaj, Niaz Ali, Sabir Shah and Suleman Shah attacked the house of Ashfaq Ahmed.

They said that the attack left three persons, Abdul Majid, Murad Ali and Farman, dead on the spot and five others, including a woman, injured.

Nabi Gul, one of the injured, succumbed to injuries later.

The slain were laid to rest on Friday.

The suspected killers fled their homes and the police are searching for them.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2020