LAHORE: The investigation into the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of two foreign women in Lahore has taken another turn after the owner of a vehicle damaged in a collision involving the suspects’ car formally registered a police case.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), filed by Usman, the driver of the damaged vehicle, he was travelling from a private housing society towards Bhatta Chowk when another vehicle collided with his car on Airport Road. The impact reportedly caused damage estimated at Rs300,000, after which the driver of the other vehicle fled the scene.
The complainant stated that he immediately contacted the police emergency helpline, prompting officers to arrive at the location. According to investigators, following the crash, the two foreign women got out of the suspects’ vehicle and sought refuge in a nearby store.
Earlier, Lahore Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran confirmed that police had arrested eight suspects in connection with the alleged kidnapping case.
The DIG said investigators have also identified both the vehicle used in the alleged crime and its registered owner. According to police, the suspects belong to Lahore, Sargodha, and several other areas of Punjab.
Providing further details, Faisal Kamran said police raided a house in Lahore where several young men had been living as tenants. During the investigation, authorities were informed that one of the occupants might be related to the country’s deputy prime minister. The police subsequently contacted the family to verify the claim.
He added that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had directed investigators to ensure that the case is handled strictly on merit, emphasizing that anyone found guilty would face legal consequences regardless of their background or connections.
The DIG also rejected reports suggesting that the women had managed to escape from their alleged captors on their own. He said the victims told investigators that they were rescued by the Punjab Police.
According to the police account, one of the suspects was driving the women toward the airport when a struggle broke out between the victims and the driver, identified as Raza Dar, near Bhatta Chowk. During the altercation, the vehicle crashed, enabling the women to jump out and seek shelter inside a nearby shop.
Police officials said officers quickly reached the scene and safely rescued the women. The DIG added that two senior female police officers later persuaded the victims to undergo medical examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have stated that investigations into the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault remain underway, with forensic evidence, witness statements, and other material being examined as police continue efforts to establish the full sequence of events and prosecute those found responsible.
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