Abbottabad police on Monday said they had recovered gold, financial documents and the alleged murder weapon in the abduction and killing of Dr Warda, as investigators pressed for extended custody of the suspects.

Police said gold and 10 receipts were recovered from the possession of Waheed Billa, the husband of alleged mastermind Rida Jadoon.

Investigators also seized cheques worth Rs123 million from the suspects.

According to police, the murder weapon — a rope allegedly used to strangle Dr Warda — was recovered from the suspects’ identification.

Investigation officers said all legal requirements, including identification of the crime scene and planning locations, had been completed.

Police said the initial plan to abduct and kill Dr Warda was prepared at Waheed Billa’s house, involving Waheed, Rida and Nadeem.

A second planning meeting was held at Waheed’s shop, attended by Waheed, Nadeem and Shamraiz.

The final plan was drawn up at Sheikh Dheri, where Shamraiz, Nadeem and Parvez allegedly gave it final shape.

Police said Parvez, one of the accused, has confessed to his role in the murder.

Investigators have filed an appeal in the Peshawar High Court seeking renewed physical remand of the suspects, citing the sensitivity of the case.

Police said all evidence and witnesses have been presented before the court.

Dr Warda, a doctor at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital in Abbottabad, was abducted on December 4, and her body was found four days later in a suburban area of the district.

Suspect killed in police encounter

Earlier, police said absconding suspect Shamraiz was killed in a police encounter after fleeing to the Thandiani forests, while four other suspects were arrested.

Investigators allege the murder was premeditated and motivated by greed for gold. Police claim Dr Warda had entrusted gold to Rida two years earlier, which was not returned. Following repeated demands, Rida allegedly planned the killing with her accomplices.

Police have also claimed that 16 bank accounts, opened under different names, were illegally used by Rida to deposit more than 70 tolas of gold.

Investigations into the case are ongoing.