DNA samples from three suspects matched forensic evidence collected from the two foreign women in the alleged abduction and gang rape case in Lahore, sources said on Monday.

According to the sources, the main suspect, identified as Nawaz, was among those whose DNA samples matched forensic evidence collected during the investigation. Investigators alleged that Nawaz was the first to sexually assault one of the foreign women and subsequently encouraged other suspects to participate in the alleged assault.

The other two suspects whose DNA samples reportedly matched were identified as Sajid and Sikandar, the sources said.

Police had sent DNA samples from eight suspects to a forensic laboratory for cross-matching, while analysis of samples collected from other suspects was still under way, according to the sources.

In a related development, police registered a case on the complaint of a citizen, identified as Usman, who had contacted the police emergency helpline after the incident.

According to the first information report (FIR), Usman, who was driving a vehicle from a private housing society towards Bhutta Chowk, claimed that another vehicle collided with his car on Airport Road and fled the scene, causing damage estimated at Rs300,000.

Police said that emergency responders reached the location after receiving Usman’s call.

Following the collision, the two foreign women reportedly got out of the vehicle and sought refuge at a nearby shop.

Separately, a Lahore sessions court heard a petition filed by Defence-C Station House Officer (SHO) Faryad Ashraf, who is facing a case over allegedly threatening a judicial magistrate in connection with the investigation.

Additional Sessions Judge Abdul Quddus granted interim protective bail to the SHO until July 10 and issued notices to the police authorities, seeking their response.

According to police, a case against the SHO was registered at Mustafaabad police station after allegations emerged that he had visited the residence of a judicial magistrate and issued threats.

The court directed the SHO to join the investigation and adjourned further proceedings until the next hearing.