KASUR (Monitoring Desk): Collection of DNA samples and their examination to possibly identify murderer of seven-year-old Zainab in Kasur is continuing on Friday with authorities having taken at least 600 samples within ten days.

A Punjab chief minister (CM) Shehbaz Sharif-formed committee had earlier recommended that authorities collect DNA samples of men living in some two kilometres of area where the minor girl was raped and murdered before her body was recovered in a heap of trash last week.

Sources privy to the probe team have reported that a forensic science agency has completed reports of some 450 samples however, no sample has matched DNA of the criminal.

Reports of another 150 samples are yet to be finalised.

Sources have further reported that law enforcers have made some
80 persons undergo the test for bearing resemblance to the sketch of the perpetrator released earlier.

DNA tests of criminals who have completed their sentences in rape cases were also conducted.

Seven-year-old Zainab was raped and murdered in Kasur last week as her body was found whilst the bereaved parents were in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

The guardians complained upon return that late Zainab had gone missing at least five days ago and the police did not cooperate with the relatives who were looking for the missing minor.

CM Shehbaz paid a visit to the grieving family and vowed to monitor the proceedings in the case and bring the criminal to justice who is at large over ten days since the national reportage about the incident.

Three suspects held

Earlier in the day it was reported that police have held three suspects named Asif, Umar and Baba Ranjha. Reportedly, police learnt that Asif kidnapped Zainab from a market and handed her over to Umar, after which she was kept at Baba Ranjha’s house.

On the indication, the officers launched a search operation at the house where Zainab was allegedly kept after abduction.

Kasur District Police Officer (DPO) Zulfiqar Ahmad had claimed to have attained a major clue in Zainab murder case.

“It may take a week or several years to apprehend criminals involved in such heinous crimes. Police have attained major clues. We will catch the culprit soon”, Zulfiqar told members of the committee.

He stated that decision has been made to install 450 CCTV cameras in Kasur to void Zainab’s ordeal-like incidents.

“Work on installation of cameras will begin within one month”, he added.