Says DNA samples fit the survivor’s; attempts to capture the prime accused, Abid Ali
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced on Monday that one of the perpetrators of the Lahore highway gang-rape case had been arrested by the police, who had admitted to committing the crime.
The CM also verified that the man’s DNA samples also matched the samples obtained from the survivor.
In his tweet, the CM assured that all concerned teams were working on the arrest of the accused, Abid Ali and that he would soon be arrested.
Identified as Shafqat, the accused was arrested today by the Depalpur Anti-Organized Crime Cell (CIA) after being identified by Waqarul Hassan-one of the two prime accused who was arrested on Sunday and denied any involvement in the case.
The accused was transferred to Lahore. According to police records, Shafqat had a prior criminal record.
There is a good likelihood that Shafqat was the co-accused of the prime suspect, Abid Ali, the police said, adding that the police had almost tracked down the entire group.
Earlier today, Waqarul Hassan, the brother-in-law of the accused, had surrendered to the police. Abbas, a resident of Sheikhupura, stated in his statement that he was using a SIM card registered in Hassan’s name and that he had contacted Abid Ali about 10 days ago.
However, he also denied his role in the heinous crime and pleaded his innocence.
He also said that he had worked with Abid in a steel factory and had no other relations with him. He said he was able to submit himself for questioning at any place. Abbas’s family has vowed his innocence by claiming that he has no criminal record.
