LAHORE – DNA tests have linked three suspects to the alleged, abduction, extortion and gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore’s Defence area, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation, according to police and investigation sources.
The investigators had collected DNA samples from eight suspects and sent them to a forensic laboratory for comparison with biological evidence recovered during the investigation. The initial forensic report has confirmed that the DNA of three suspects matches the evidence, while analysis of the remaining samples is still in progress.
According to investigation sources, the prime suspect, Nawaz, is among those whose DNA matched the forensic evidence.
The investigators allege that he was the first to sexually assault one of the victims before the remaining suspects joined in the alleged assault.
The other two suspects whose DNA has reportedly matched the forensic evidence have been identified as Sajid and Sikandar.
The case involves two foreign nationals—a Venezuelan and a Dutch woman—who allegedly arrived in Lahore on June 29 and were abducted shortly afterwards. Police say the women were subjected to torture and sexual assault during their captivity.
A case has been registered against five suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, who, along with the other accused, is currently on physical remand as investigators continue collecting evidence.
The police traced the suspects through Safe City surveillance footage, vehicle movement records, mobile phone data and other digital evidence. The accused were arrested on July 2 during a series of raids conducted in Lahore and other areas.
According to the police, the victims were later being transported by the suspects when their vehicle met with an accident near Bhatta Chowk. The women managed to escape, took shelter in a nearby filter house and were subsequently rescued by Punjab Police.
The investigators said forensic examination of the remaining DNA samples is continuing, while additional evidence is being collected to complete the investigation before submission of the final challan to the court.
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