Key suspect at large as three arrested in Abbottabad doctor's murder case

The Abbottabad police have arrested three suspects in a case pertaining to the kidnapping and murder of woman doctor Dr Warda Mushtaq.

District police officer Haroon Rasheed said that the doctor was abducted on December 4 from outside the DHQ Hospital and killed within an hour of her abduction.

The suspects took her to an under-construction house in Jinnahabad, where she was strangled to death. Her body was later buried in Thandiani Lari Banota area.

Police said that four people were involved in the crime, three of whom have been arrested— including Dr Warda’s close friend, her husband, and a facilitator. The prime suspect, Shamrez, remains at large, and raids are underway for his arrest.

The police have also seized both vehicles used in the crime.

According to investigators, Dr. Warda had given 67 tola of gold to her friend Rida two years ago for safe keeping, which was never returned. They revealed that the suspect had pawned the gold and obtained nearly Rs5 million against it. Dr Warda, who was preparing to travel abroad, had been pressing for the return of her gold and was increasingly anxious about the matter.

The police said that on the day of the incident, Rida lured Dr. Warda to the under-construction house, where the other suspects were already waiting. They overpowered her and executed the killing according to a plan. The case now includes charges of kidnapping, murder, and additional serious offenses.

Meanwhile, the victim’s father has accused police officials of demanding bribes and has called for the arrest of the SHO and DSP involved. Police deny the allegations, insisting that the investigation is being conducted transparently and that all responsible individuals will be brought to justice.