Three people were injured on Sunday in an acid attack in Netrokona's Purbadhala upazila, prompting police to file a case under the Acid Crime Prevention Act and launch a drive to arrest the accused.

The case was filed today by Shuktara, mother of a victim, Md Shakil, at Purbadhala Police Station.

The case named two brothers -- Md Shamim Mia, 18, and Md Sagar Mia, 21, of Nijampur village -- as accused.

Apart from Shakil, 18, of Yearon village, the other two victims are Md Siraj Mia and Gouranga, 60 -- both residents of Narandia union.

According to the case statement, Shakil and Shamim got involved in an altercation at Shahbajpur Bazar on Sunday after Shamim asked Shakil for a cigarette. The dispute escalated into a scuffle before locals intervened.

A short while later, while Shakil was at a clothing shop in the market, Shamim allegedly brought acid used at a jewellery shop in a glass container and threw it at him.

Shakil suffered burns to his face and other parts of his body. Siraj Mia and Gouranga, who were nearby, were also injured in the attack.

The injured were initially taken to Netrokona Adhunik Sadar Hospital. Shakil was later shifted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital after his condition deteriorated.

Purbadhala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said police were conducting raids to arrest the accused.