Police on Thursday arrested a close friend and a cook of DSP Usman Haider for allegedly helping destroy evidence after the murder of his wife and daughter, marking a major development in the high-profile case.

Investigators said that after the killings, the DSP attempted to mislead police by creating false location trails for the victims.

He allegedly handed his daughter’s mobile phone to the cook, who moved towards Gajju Matah, while his wife’s phone was given to a friend, Shiraz alias Bobby, who went towards the Ghalib Market area.

Police said the phones were deliberately taken in different directions to suggest the victims had travelled separately.

During further investigation, officers learned that the DSP also handed a parcel containing the victims’ belongings to Shiraz alias Bobby after the double murder.

Blood stains were found on the parcel when it was opened, which helped investigators advance the case and identify those involved in concealing evidence.

Meanwhile, concerns over the investigation were raised by the victim Samia’s sister during a meeting with DIG Investigation Zeeshan Raza.

Sources said she demanded that the probe be transferred to the Crime Control Department (CCD), that the bodies be handed over to the family, and that a murder case be registered on her complaint.

The DIG assured the family that no leniency would be shown to the accused.

Separately, Judicial Magistrate Ali Akbar handed the accused over to police on a further three-day physical remand in a case related to alleged threats issued to the victim’s sister, Tehmina.

Earlier, police recovered the alleged murder weapon, a privately owned pistol, which has been sent for forensic analysis.

Punjab Police said DSP Haider allegedly shot his wife and daughter following a domestic dispute. He remains in custody as investigators continue questioning.

The case is registered at Burki Police Station. The court has directed police to present all recovered items and produce the suspect again on December 18.

Punjab Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar has suspended DSP Haider and initiated departmental proceedings.

Disciplinary action has also been taken against several police officials over procedural lapses, including the suspension of the SHO Kahna, the chowki in-charge and an assistant sub-inspector.

Senior police officials said the investigation is ongoing and all aspects of the case, including procedural shortcomings, are under review.