Lahore DIG says 'minister-linked suspect' treated like any other criminal in foreign women case

Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran said police were treating a suspect allegedly linked to a senior political figure like any other accused person in the investigation into the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of two foreign women.

The women were rescued within hours after police received an emergency complaint on July 1. Four suspects have been arrested, while investigators continue to examine allegations of abduction, ransom demands, and sexual assault. Kamran clarified that the case is being handled by Lahore police and the Punjab Police's specialised rape investigation unit, as it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Crime Control Department (CCD).

According to the DIG, the women arrived in Islamabad on June 26 before travelling to Lahore on June 29. Around midnight on July 1, police were alerted by a man named Carlos, who reported that his daughter had been abducted in Pakistan and that the kidnappers had demanded ransom.

Investigators immediately traced phone records, vehicle registration details, travel history, and Safe City surveillance footage while conducting raids in several areas, including Shahdara, Defence, and Sargodha.

During the investigation, police identified suspect Mohammad Raza Dar after tracing his family background. Residents at one location told investigators the suspect's family had previously lived there and was believed to have links with a senior government figure.

Kamran said senior police officials and the government were informed of the alleged connection, but authorities instructed investigators to ensure the suspect received no special treatment. Police also believe the crime may have involved an organised group rather than a single individual.

Kamran said the suspect was driving the women to the airport when an argument broke out inside the vehicle near Bhatta Chowk. During the altercation, the vehicle struck an object, allowing the women to escape and seek shelter at a nearby filtration plant, where police safely recovered them.

Following the rescue, police contacted the Spanish and Dutch embassies. The Spanish embassy confirmed that one of the women was a Venezuelan national.

After consulting embassy officials, both women agreed to undergo medical examinations and record statements before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Because the magistrate was off duty and the women were scheduled to leave Pakistan the following morning, police obtained the required approval from the magistrate's residence. Kamran said the embassies requested the women's early repatriation while police continue investigating all aspects of the case.