Summary The DIG said police received information about the case through the emergency helpline on July 1, after which an immediate investigation was launched
LAHORE (Dunya News) - A major development has emerged in the investigation into the alleged kidnapping and rape of foreign women in Lahore, with police identifying the mysterious figure referred to as "Boss" in the case.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said the suspect known as "Boss" has been identified as Waheed, a resident of Okara, who already has eight criminal cases registered against him.
The DIG said police received information about the case through the emergency helpline on July 1, after which an immediate investigation was launched.
Initially, four suspects named in the case were arrested. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of additional suspects, bringing the total number of arrests to eight.
Faisal Kamran said Lahore Police contacted the relevant embassies to assist the foreign women involved in the case.
He said the Spanish embassy was contacted first, while one of the victims is a Venezuelan national whose country does not have an embassy in Pakistan.
To facilitate the victims and ensure their confidence in the investigation, female police officers were assigned to accompany them and persuade them to undergo medical examinations, he added.
Also Read: Fifth suspect arrested in Lahore abduction and rape case involving foreign women
The DIG said investigators initially faced difficulties in recording the women's statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
However, all communication with embassy officials has been documented as part of the police record.
According to Faisal Kamran, the women were persuaded to remain in Lahore for one additional day, after which they were produced before a court and their statements under Section 164 were formally recorded.
Police subsequently obtained the suspects' physical remand to continue the investigation.
According to the victims' statements, suspect Raza Dar allegedly summoned a man identified as "Boss" to intimidate them.
The women alleged that the man arrived with armed guards and threatened them with death and other serious consequences.
The DIG said investigators later established that the individual referred to as "Boss" is actually Waheed, who has a criminal record with eight previously registered cases.
Faisal Kamran also addressed reports that one of the suspects is related to Pakistan's deputy prime minister.
He said that whenever a relative of an influential figure is implicated in a criminal case, the relevant authorities are informed.
After investigators confirmed the familial connection, senior officials instructed police to proceed strictly in accordance with the law and without discrimination, he said.
He further revealed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also contacted police authorities and directed that the investigation be conducted strictly on merit.
Responding to a question, the DIG rejected reports regarding a police raid on a judge's residence, saying police "cannot even imagine" conducting such an action.
He added that the station house officer (SHO) who went to the judge's house had been suspended and departmental proceedings had been initiated against him.
