One arrested in Gujranwala bride murder case as police intensify search for main suspect

Police have arrested one suspect in the Gujranwala Samanabad bride murder case, while efforts are underway to apprehend the main accused,

LAHORE/GUJRANWALA:  Police have arrested one suspect in the Gujranwala Samanabad bride murder case, while efforts are underway to apprehend the main accused, Sarfraz, and other individuals allegedly linked to the incident. Police sources say special raiding teams have been deployed, and the names of the main suspect and a female acquaintance of the victim have reportedly been placed on the Stop List to prevent them from leaving the country.

According to police officials, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is personally monitoring progress in the case, while the Inspector General of Punjab Police is receiving regular updates on the investigation.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that one suspect had been arrested and was being interrogated. The officer said additional teams had been constituted to trace Sarfraz and other suspects, with further arrests expected as the investigation progresses.

Police are also seeking assistance from intelligence agencies and relevant government departments to collect information that could help locate the absconding suspects. Sources said NADRA, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Ministry of Interior had been contacted to obtain relevant records.

Investigators have reportedly collected family records, mobile phone details and call data records associated with the suspects. Authorities are analysing location information and examining social media accounts to establish possible contacts, movements and locations connected to the case.

Police sources further claimed that the names of Sarfraz and a female friend allegedly linked to the case had been placed on the Stop List or Provincial National Identification List (PNIL). A formal communication was reportedly sent to the relevant authorities to prevent their possible departure abroad.

According to investigators, the woman was a close acquaintance of the deceased bride, Saba, and was allegedly present in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Police are examining whether she played any role in informing or assisting the main suspect. However, her alleged involvement remains subject to investigation.

Police officials also claimed that Sarfraz and the woman had gone underground shortly before the incident after reportedly becoming aware of police activity. Their houses were allegedly locked, complicating efforts to trace them and contributing to the delay in their arrest.

Four raiding teams comprising personnel from the Crime Control Department (CCD), Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and local police have reportedly been formed. The teams are conducting searches in Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore, while technical teams are assisting in tracing the suspects. Relatives and close associates of Sarfraz are also being questioned as part of the investigation.

Legal experts say that if evidence establishes the woman’s role in facilitating the crime, additional charges relating to abetment may be considered under Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, subject to the facts and applicable law.

Meanwhile, Saba’s father said the family had been informed about the arrest of one suspect. He expressed gratitude to the Punjab government but stressed that the family would not feel satisfied until the main accused was arrested and brought to justice.

Police officials maintain that efforts are continuing to apprehend the remaining suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.