Investigators probing the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore’s Defence area have received a significant development after the DNA of three suspects reportedly matched forensic evidence collected during the investigation, according to police and investigation sources.
The forensic findings are expected to play an important role in the ongoing inquiry, although officials have stressed that the investigation is still underway and additional laboratory reports are awaited.
Three DNA Samples Reportedly Match
Police had collected and sent DNA samples from eight suspects to a forensic laboratory for examination and cross-matching with evidence recovered from the crime scene.
According to investigation sources, the DNA profiles of three suspects have now matched the forensic evidence obtained during the investigation.
Sources identified the prime suspect, Nawaz, as one of those whose DNA reportedly matched. Investigators allege that he was the first person to sexually assault one of the two women, while the remaining suspects allegedly participated afterward.
Police sources further identified Sajid and Sikandar as the other two suspects whose DNA is reported to have matched the forensic evidence.
Officials added that forensic examination of the remaining five DNA samples is still ongoing, and investigators are awaiting the final laboratory reports before completing this phase of the inquiry.
Case Involves Two Foreign Women
The case involves two foreign nationals—a woman from Venezuela and another from the Netherlands—who allegedly suffered kidnapping, torture, and sexual assault after arriving in Lahore.
The incident came to public attention after police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, who has been identified by police as the grandson of a prominent political figure.
Authorities have confirmed that five suspects, including Raza Dar, are currently on physical remand as investigators continue collecting evidence.
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How the Investigation Unfolded
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Lahore DIG Operations Kamran said the two women arrived in Lahore on June 29 and were allegedly abducted shortly afterward.
Police launched an investigation by tracing the vehicle believed to have been used in the incident through the Safe City surveillance system. According to officials, investigators monitored the vehicle’s movements as it travelled along the motorway toward Sargodha, while police teams also conducted raids in Shahdara and Defence.
Kamran said the first ransom call was received on July 1 from a man identified as Carlos, who informed police that Spanish authorities had also been notified. On the same day, the Safe City Authority also received an emergency call regarding the case.
Using phone records, vehicle information, and location data, police arrested four suspects on July 2, with further arrests made as the investigation progressed.
Women Rescued Near Lahore Airport
According to police, the two women were later being transported toward Lahore airport by suspect Raza Dar when an altercation reportedly occurred near Bhatta Chowk. During the incident, the vehicle crashed, allowing the women to escape.
Officials said the women sought refuge in a nearby filter house, where Punjab Police later located and rescued them.
DIG Operations Kamran rejected reports suggesting the women had reached safety on their own, stating that both women had informed investigators they were rescued by Punjab Police.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say further forensic reports and other evidence will determine the next course of legal proceedings.
