Four suspects receive extended remand in Lahore rape case

A Lahore court has extended the physical remand of four suspects, including Raza Dar, in connection with the alleged

A Lahore court has extended the physical remand of four suspects, including Raza Dar, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of two foreign women from the Netherlands and Spain.

The hearing was held at the Cantt Kachehri in Lahore after the expiry of the suspects’ previous physical remand. Prosecutors requested additional time for the investigation, informing the court that DNA and fingerprint tests of the accused had already been conducted.

The prosecution further stated that investigators are still working to recover key evidence, including the vehicle allegedly used in the crime, a laptop, cash, and weapons believed to be linked to the case. According to prosecutors, these recoveries are essential to complete the ongoing investigation.

Defence lawyer Salman Shahid opposed the request for an extension of the physical remand. He argued that his clients had no connection with the alleged offences and claimed that, according to the police’s own version of events, the dispute was related to cryptocurrency rather than kidnapping or rape. He also maintained that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), not the local police.

The accused were brought before the court with their faces covered by masks. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved a five-day extension of their physical remand and directed the police to produce them again on July 13.

The alleged incident took place on June 29, when two European women from the Netherlands and Spain were reportedly abducted in Lahore. Police have arrested eight suspects in the case, including a relative of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar.

Earlier, Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said during a press briefing that all arrests were made on merit and that the investigation is being carried out impartially. Police officials said they are continuing to collect forensic evidence and recover items believed to be connected to the case before submitting further findings to the court.