Azerbaijani woman alleges gang rape in Lahore as police arrest two suspects

Lahore Police have arrested two suspects and recovered a vehicle allegedly used in a reported sexual assault

LAHORE: Lahore Police have arrested two suspects and recovered a vehicle allegedly used in a reported sexual assault involving a 20-year-old Azerbaijani woman in Lahore, according to police officials and court records.

The case was registered on September 27, 2026, at Defence C Police Station on the complaint of the foreign national. Police said special teams were formed following directions from DIG Investigation Lahore Syed Zeeshan Raza to investigate the allegations and identify all those involved.

According to the police record, the woman arrived in Islamabad from Istanbul on September 13 before spending several days in Faisalabad and subsequently travelling to Lahore. She had reportedly planned to visit Skardu.

The complainant later recorded her statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Sagheer at Cantt Courts, Lahore, on September 29. The statement was recorded in the judge’s chamber under security arrangements and continued for more than an hour. Officials from the Women and Child Protection unit were also present.

According to the statement recorded before the magistrate, the woman said she had contacted two female acquaintances after arriving in Lahore because she was alone. She alleged that she met the women at a café at around 11pm.

She further alleged that two men arrived in a white vehicle at approximately 2am and that she subsequently travelled with them to an apartment in the Bahria Town/DHA area. According to her account, another man later joined them.

The complainant alleged that the two women had taken money described as party expenses before leaving her in a locked room. She further alleged that she was given an intoxicating substance and subsequently sexually assaulted by three men. She told investigators that she was later dropped near the airport area.

Police officials said an initial medical examination was conducted following the complaint. DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza said the medical examination supported the allegation of sexual assault. According to the medical report cited by police, pressure marks and abrasions were observed, while DNA and other forensic samples were collected.

The victim’s clothing and blood samples have been sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for further analysis. She has also been referred for psychiatric counselling and is currently being provided protection at a safe location.

Meanwhile, police teams led by SP Investigation Cantt Asim Iftikhar have continued efforts to trace the suspects and collect evidence. Police said a white Hyundai Sonata allegedly connected to the incident was recovered from the residence of a relative of one of the suspects.

Investigators have also obtained CCTV footage from the café and the relevant apartment complex as part of the investigation.

Police said two suspects, identified as Mohsin and Tanveer, who is also referred to as Ahmed in the FIR, have been arrested from separate locations. A search is continuing for another suspect. Two women who allegedly facilitated the meeting have also been taken into custody for questioning.

Police said several individuals were initially detained during the investigation, while the names of nominated suspects have been placed on the Provisional National Identification List to prevent them from leaving the country.

DIG Zeeshan Raza said all available resources were being utilised and that legal action would be taken against anyone found involved on the basis of evidence.

Police have not confirmed various personal claims about the woman that have circulated on social media, including allegations concerning her family, employment, marital history or political connections. Officials have described such material as unverified and urged the public not to circulate private information about the complainant.

The investigation remains underway, with forensic results expected to help investigators establish the circumstances of the incident. Police said the final challan will be submitted after completion of the investigation and receipt of relevant forensic reports.