Authorities have made substantial progress in the investigation of the honey-trap case involving renowned writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar.

The alleged mastermind behind the honey-trap gang, Hasan Shah, along with his accomplices, has been apprehended in Peshawar.

According to police reports, Hasan Shah, the central figure of the honey-trap gang, was arrested alongside his accomplice, Rafique, in Peshawar. The police disclosed that Hasan Shah is also a drug addict and was found in possession of opium at the time of his arrest. Shah is alleged to be the orchestrator of the honey-trap scheme that targeted Qamar.

Also Read: New twist in Amna Urooj, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar case

The police stated that Hasan Shah is the main character in a group comprising 12 members, including women. They claimed that the suspect forced the writer into recording an objectionable video and then leaked it.

The suspect told the police that Khalilur Rehman Qamar had visited the suspect woman’s house with inappropriate intentions and not to discuss a script, as he had claimed. Further complicating the matter, Shah claimed that Qamar was compelled to allege the kidnapping due to the presence of his videos.

The police have recorded the statements of the suspects and are conducting further investigation. Previously, 12 individuals, including women, involved in the incident, had been arrested.

Also Read: Police reveal details of arrest, torture of writer Khalilur Rehman Qamar

It has also come to light that the main suspects involved in the honey-trap group are former record holders. Shah was alleged to have been involved in serious crimes, including kidnapping, torture and electricity theft, while his partner Rafique alias Feeku was also allegedly involved in serious crimes, including murder.

As per police records, two cases of kidnapping, torture and electricity theft have been registered against Shah in Nankana Sahib, while six cases of murder, attempted murder, torture are registered against Rafique in Sheikhupura. Rafique is also a proclaimed offender in a murder case in Lahore.

Police records further mentioned that Rafique acted as the shooter for the main suspect, Hasan Shah.

Meanwhile, one of the arrested suspects, Amna Urooj, was presented in the Anti-Terrorism Court after a four-day physical remand. Judge Arshad Javed of the ATC oversaw the case proceedings. The police were expected to submit a comprehensive report on the investigation thus far.

The case has been officially registered at the Sundar police station, and authorities are continuing their efforts to uncover the full extent of the gang's operations and bring all involved to justice.