Key Takeaways
- A judicial magistrate extended the physical remand of three suspects for four days.
- The case involves alleged kidnapping and rape of two foreign women, including a Dutch national and a Venezuelan citizen.
- Police seek to recover weapons used by the suspects during the crime.
LAHORE: A judicial magistrate has extended the physical remand of three suspects for another four days in a case involving the alleged kidnapping and rape of two foreign women. The suspects, who are currently under police custody, were initially remanded on July 2 after they were implicated in the crime.
During today's hearing, the court was informed that weapons had already been recovered from two of the suspects but remained to be retrieved from the third suspect. Additionally, the police have yet to recover cash, jewellery and a watch allegedly connected to the case. The magistrate approved the extension after being presented with these details by the prosecutor.
The case was registered on July 2 following a call received by the Police Emergency Helpline 15 from Spain, made by the father of one of the women. According to the police report, five suspects, including a close relative of a senior political personality, were involved in the alleged kidnapping for ransom and sexual assault.
The victims, who are nationals of the Netherlands and Venezuela, had arrived in Pakistan on June 26, 2026, at the invitation of a local business partner they met in Singapore. The primary suspect allegedly arranged their visas under false pretenses, claiming to set up meetings with high-profile investors for the Dutch woman’s company.
Upon arrival in Lahore, the women were taken to a house where they were subjected to physical assault and sexual abuse by the suspects. The complainant alleged that the primary suspect initially acted as a fellow victim to mask his complicity but later revealed his involvement.
The case is being prosecuted under severe offences under sections 375-A (rape) and 365-A (kidnapping for extortion) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The police are continuing their investigation, with the magistrate directing them to produce the suspects again on July 20.
The victims' testimony revealed that they were lured to a house in Lahore under the pretext of celebrating a relative's birthday but found themselves in an empty residence. Within 15 minutes, four men armed with firearms and ropes stormed the premises, tying their hands behind their backs and subjecting them to physical assault.
The judicial magistrate’s decision to extend the remand period underscores the seriousness of the case and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to recover evidence and ensure justice for the victims.
