MULTAN, April 12: At least 17 people including four women and three children were injured when their rivals threw acid on them in a village in Shujabad on Wednesday.

The injured were brought to the Nishter Hospital where condition of three of them was said to be critical.

According to police, one Rafiq of Mattotali village wanted to marry a girl in his neighbourhood but her parents refused the proposal. On Tuesday night, Rafiq allegedly kidnapped the girl with the help of his accomplice.

The girl’s family members and relatives started chasing the kidnappers and after tracing them gathered outside the house of the accused. As they tried to force entry into the house, the accused allegedly sprayed acid on them.

The injured were identified as Muhammad Shafi, Nazar Muhammad, Jaffar, Sabir, Asif, Khalid, Riaz, Maqsood Mai, Bakhat Mai, Sakina Mai, Bashir, Muhammad Ramzan, Allah Ditta, Muhammad Shafi (s/o Allah Ditta), Bashir (s/o Wahid Bakhsh), Muhammad Shabbir and Kauser Mai.

Condition of Muhammad Shafi, Ramzan and Nazeer was stated to be critical.

ASP Shujabad Abdul Salam said the police had rounded up six of the alleged attackers, while raids were being conducted to arrest the main accused. The police has yet to register the case.