Punjab: 9 women injured in acid attack after land dispute turns violent

Nine women, including the wife of a sarpanch were injured in an acid attack after a heated altercation over a Panchayat land turned violent, in Bhui village in Kapurthala district, here on Monday.

The incident took place when Vinod Kumar, who is Sarpanch of Bhui village went to the land site alongwith his wife Reena and four other women for construction of a community centre. However, another family belonging to the same village had been locked in a conflict over the land and alleged that it belonged to them. When the family stood their ground on not allowing any construction activity on the land, it led to a heated argument between the two groups. The situation turned ugly, when some  members of the family allegedly threw acid on the sarpanch's wife and women accompanying her.

All the injured were rushed to the Civil hospital, where they are currently admitted. However, the sarpanch's wife, Reena had to be referred to a government hospital in Jalandhar with serious injuries.

Punjab: Nine women injured in an acid attack during a clash over a land dispute in Kapurthala; Case registered; 1 arrested. pic.twitter.com/ezTlQ5NlKq

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"It was a land dispute between the two groups. The Panchayat wanted to construct a community centre, which the other group opposed and it led to an argument between them. We have registered a case and investigation is on. One of the accused, who is the husband of the woman who allegedly threw acid has been arrested. We will arrest others, after recording statements of all victims, who are currently in hospital," said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, Rajinder Singh while talking to DNA.

SSP Singh said all the victims are undergoing treatment and are out of danger.