Punjab Police Have Yet to Apprehend Key Suspect

It has been 11 days since the Punjab Police began its search for the prime suspect of the Lahore motorway case. However, Abid Malihi continues to evade arrest. 

On the 9th of September, two armed men supposedly gang-raped a mother of two. The incident occurred on the M11 route, where the woman was stranded with her children after running out of fuel. The report of the incident further revealed that the culprits first robbed and then raped her. 

After news of the tragedy broke the internet, it enraged many citizens of Pakistan. They took to the streets in protest to demand capital punishment for the men involved. This also sparked conversations and debates on sexual abuse. 

Shahzada Sultan, the deputy inspector-general (DIG) of police belonging to the investigations department, is hopeful about apprehending the suspect. On Sunday, he stated that the fugitive at large, Abid Malihi, will be arrested soon. His accomplice, Shafqat Ali alias Bagga was captured earlier in the week. 

Sultan is the head of a special investigation team comprising of six members. It was set up by Inam Ghani himself, the inspector-general (IG) of the Punjab Police. The DIG informed the public that nearly eight teams are currently working to trace the location of the fugitive so that he may be brought to justice. 

Rapid-response Teams

The eight teams in charge of finding the suspect comprise of personnel belonging to the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of the Punjab Police. Moreover, trained professionals from the Special Branch and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) are also a part of this team. 

Sultan reported that the Punjab Police has set up an integrated network to apprehend the alleged criminal. The network includes rapid-response teams in various districts across Punjab. These will operate on any tip-offs received related to the whereabouts and hideouts of Abid Malihi.

The DIG also noted that so far, only two culprits are involved in the case. 

On Friday, the police also issued a statement to warn the public and security personnel. They cautioned against the prime suspect and said that he may even change his appearance to hide his identity.  

Key Suspect May Change His Appearance

Authorities have also taken up the responsibility of circulating several possible appearances that Abid Malihi may change into. 

These images were circulated via Whatsapp. They were also plastered outside police stations so citizens and law enforcement agencies can be wary of the culprit. Moreover, the authorities believe that people will also be able to spot the fugitive this way if they happen to cross paths with him. 

Amongst the four pictures of Abid Malihi that were sent out, one is of his original hairstyle and face. The second has him in a mustache and no hair on his head. Another one is of him bald, but clean-shaved. The last one is a snapshot of him in a French beard. However, in all four photos, the suspect’s primary features remain the same