The DNA samples from three suspects in the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore have matched forensic evidence collected during investigation, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
Police had earlier sent DNA samples from eight suspects to a forensic laboratory for cross-matching after the foreign nationals from Venezuela and the Netherlands alleged they were abducted, tortured and sexually assaulted in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area.
Media reports quoted police sources as saying that the DNA of the prime suspect, Nawaz, had matched the forensic evidence. Investigators allege he was the first to sexually assault one of the women, while the remaining suspects later participated in the assault.
Police said the DNA of two other suspects, identified as Sajid and Sikandar, also matched the evidence collected during the investigation while the remaining DNA samples are still under forensic examination.
Earlier, the case emerged after police registered an FIR [First Information Report] against multiple suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, the alleged relative of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Five suspects, including Raza Dar, remain on physical remand, while police say all eight nominated suspects have been arrested.
According to Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Kamran Faisal, the two women arrived in Pakistan in late June and travelled to Lahore where they were allegedly held against their will.
Police launched an investigation after receiving an emergency call from Spain, from the father of one of the victims, and traced the suspects through Safe City surveillance cameras, vehicle tracking and mobile phone data.
The women were eventually rescued after the suspects’ vehicle crashed near Bhatta Chowk while allegedly taking them to another location.
Police said the victims escaped from the vehicle, sought refuge nearby and were recovered by responding officers. The two women then returned to their respective countries after recording statements and undergoing legal formalities.
Police officials say the investigation has uncovered the involvement of a suspected criminal gang, including individuals with alleged political connections.
DIG Faisal, however, said the government directed investigators to treat all suspects equally, regardless of their backgrounds.
Separately, Raza Dar was also booked in another criminal case after a motorist accused him of causing a road traffic collision that damaged his vehicle near Lahore Airport on July 1.
Police said that case relates only to the alleged accident and is separate from the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping, ransom, extortion and sexual assault allegations.
The investigation remains ongoing.
