In a significant development in the investigation of Dr. Warda Mushtaq’s murder, a new suspect has been arrested, and subsequently, a large cache of military-grade weapons and explosives was recovered from the residence of his deceased accomplice.
Authorities took a suspect named Adil into custody on Wednesday. He is accused of helping another suspect, Shamrez, bury the victim’s body in a pit in the Lari Banota area of Thandiani.
Speaking to the media, SP Investigation Ayaz Khan confirmed that Adil is the fifth individual to be implicated in the case. Four other suspects had been arrested previously, while a suspect named Shamrez was killed in the crossfire by his own associates during an escape attempt.
Acting on information provided by Adil during interrogation, police conducted an operation at the house of the deceased suspect, Shamrez. From a secret compartment inside the residence, investigators recovered Dr. Warda Mushtaq’s personal belongings, including her mobile phone, identity card, ATM card, and vehicle registration card. A spade and shovel, believed to have been used in the crime, were also seized.
A large cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives concealed in the same compartment was also recovered during the search. The recovered items include two RPG-7 rounds, two hand grenades, multiple rifles of different bores, two 12-bore guns, nine magazines, approximately 100 cartridges, two daggers, and a pair of binoculars.
The Bomb Disposal Squad was called to the scene and safely defused the two RPG-7 rounds and two hand grenades.
The arrested suspect, Adil, was produced before an Anti-Terrorism Court under tight security. The court handed over the suspect to the police on a seven-day physical remand for further investigation.
A case has been registered against the suspect under sections 7ATA, 15AA, and 5 of the Explosives Act. Investigations are ongoing by the authorities to arrest the other remaining suspects involved in the case.