LAHORE (MNN); Investigators have identified the prime suspect in the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore after DNA analysis matched forensic evidence with three suspects, according to police and investigation sources.
The case involves two foreign nationals — one from Venezuela and the other from the Netherlands — who were allegedly abducted, assaulted, and tortured in Lahore’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area.
Police had collected DNA samples from eight suspects and sent them to a forensic laboratory for examination. Investigation sources said DNA profiles of three suspects have now matched the evidence collected from the crime scene.
According to investigators, the prime suspect, identified as Nawaz, is among those whose DNA matched the forensic evidence. Police allege that he was the first to sexually assault one of the victims before the other suspects allegedly joined in.
The other two suspects whose DNA reportedly matched have been identified as Sajid and Sikandar. Forensic examination of the remaining samples is still underway.
The case came to light after police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against five suspects, including Muhammad Raza Dar, who has been identified by investigators as the grandson of a prominent political figure. All five suspects are currently on physical remand as investigations continue.
Police Detail Investigation
Addressing a press conference, Lahore DIG Operations Kamran said the two women arrived in Lahore on June 29 and were allegedly kidnapped shortly afterward.
He said police traced the suspects by identifying the vehicle used in the incident through Safe City surveillance cameras, which tracked its movement from Lahore to Sargodha via the motorway. Raids were also conducted in Shahdara and Defence during the investigation.
According to the DIG, 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. The Safe City Authority also received an emergency call regarding the incident on the same day.
Police arrested four suspects on July 2 after tracing mobile phone records, vehicle details, and location data.
According to investigators, suspect Raza Dar was later taking the two women to Lahore airport when an altercation occurred near Bhatta Chowk. The vehicle reportedly crashed, allowing the women to escape and seek refuge in a nearby filter house, where they were later rescued by Punjab Police.
DIG Kamran rejected reports suggesting the women had reached safety on their own, maintaining that both victims confirmed they were rescued by Punjab Police.
