A 22-year-old bride sustained critical injuries when a group of local youths attacked her at her wedding venue in Phedap Rural Municipality-3, Tehrathum, on Monday night. Three others were also injured in the incident.

According to Narayan Gautam, Inspector at the Tehrathum District Police Office, Pratikchhya Sambahamphe sustained serious head injuries in the attack and was rushed to the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan. She was later referred to Biratnagar Neuro Hospital, police said.

The bride’s brother Deuman Sambahamphe and locals Suman Khapung and Tikadevi Sambahamphe were also injured in the attack. Deuman has been taken to Biratnagar for treatment while the other two are receiving medical attention at the district hospital in Myanglung. The groom was unhurt in the incident.

Police suspected that the bride might have been attacked by her former boyfriend and his group for marrying another man.

Saroj Limbu, 19, Oman Limbu, 14, Dinesh Limbu, 21, Sudi Limbu, 19, and Mandip Limbu, 17, were arrested for their involvement in the attack, Inspector Gautam said. Search is on to nab the others involved in the incident, he added.