Two Christian women burnt in Quetta acid attack

Rimsha receives 30% burn injuries to her face and hands, Hinah receives around 15% burn injuries to her hand and legs

QUETTA:

Two Christian women were critically injured in an acid attack in a predominantly Christian neighbourhood of the provincial capital on Friday.

The young women – identified as Rimsha Masih, 28, and Hinah Masih, 16 – were attacked in the Mecongai Road area of Basti Panchait, according to a police spokesperson.

They were first driven to the Lady Hospital where medics referred them to the Provincial Sandeman Hospital due to seriousness of their wounds. Since the Sandeman Hospital does not have burn treatment facilities, the young women were ferried to the Bolan Medical College Teaching Hospital.

Sources in the hospital said Rimsha received 30% burn injures to her face and hands while Hinah received around 15% burn injures to her hand and legs.

Capital City Police Officer Abdul Razaq Cheema told a news conference that they have arrested the alleged attacker, Vijay Parvez Masih, who was named by the victims during investigation. “Vijay, a resident of Brewery Road neighbourhood, allegedly threw acid on the victims and escaped from the scene,” CCPO Cheema said, adding that the police have registered a case against Vijay under terrorism and other charges.

He said a personal dispute might have triggered the attack. “However, it is premature to establish the real motives at this stage,” he said, adding that investigations were under way.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Ramsha’s older sister Sehrish said she had exchanged harsh words with the accused a few days ago after he bumped his motorcycle into her. “Since then, he had been threatening me with dire consequences,’ she added. “Vijay mistook my sister for me since she was wearing my scarf.”


Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2015.