In a statement on Monday, the police said the gang comprises a woman and two men. The suspects had abducted a seven-year-old child and two teenage girls in the Bagga area of Saddar Police Station around 21 days ago.

It added that the initial medical test confirmed that the abductees were sexually harassed. The samples have been sent for DNA tests.

Many cases have been registered against the gang, said the statement.

In July, a “confidential” report from Punjab’s Home Department unveiled that the number of boys facing the terrifying ordeal was more than the number of girls.

It added that out of the total perpetrators facing trial in courts, 55 per cent were the neighbours of the victims, 32% were strangers, and 13% were relatives.

The department collected the region-wise data on child abuse in Punjab using the field staff.