MIANWALI, Oct 8: Rival groups within the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) are trying to down each other over the thrashing of a few youths by the Kaliar family here, Dawn has learnt.

A few days ago, four motorcycle riders hit an aged woman who was crossing the road at Ghandi village. Present at the scene, some youngsters of the Kaliar clan started thrashing the motorcyclists for their carelessness. Meanwhile, Wazir Khan, the nephew of Inamullah Khan Niazi, former MNA and leader of the PML-N, who was passing tried to rescue the motorcyclists. The enraged mob also scuffled with him and allegedly deprived him of his belongings.

Mr Khan got lodged a first information report (FIR) with Kundian police against seven people of the Kaliar family under section 395 of the Pakistan Penal Code. He stated in the FIR that seven robbers, headed by Muhammad Amir Kaliar, at gunpoint snatched his Rolex watch worth Rs200,000, five cell telephone and Rs30,000.

The Kaliars are the supporters of PML-N MNA Humair Hayat Rokhri. The MNA asked senior police officers not to arrest the accused, saying the FIR held false facts but to no avail. Mr Rokhri held a public meeting at Kundian wherein he leveled allegation against Inamullah and demanded the withdrawal of the case. Musakhel DSP Raja Khalid also attended the meeting.

To settle the score, Mr Niazi along with MPA Ali Haider Noor held a press conference and accused the Rokhris of supporting criminals.

District Police Officer Tasadaq Hayat Malik said the investigation of the case would be conducted on merit.