In a major breakthrough, a serial child rapist arrested by Karachi Police for his involvement in the alleged molestation of more than 100 children has turned out to be one of the most wanted criminals of the Punjab Police also.

According to police officials, the suspect had been arrested by the East Investigation Police from the Tipu Sultan area of Karachi. His accomplice was also taken into custody during the operation.

Investigators revealed that the primary suspect was not only Karachi Police’s most wanted suspect but was also on Punjab Police’s most wanted list, prompting inter-provincial coordination for his arrest.

Punjab tipped off Karachi

Punjab Police contacted Karachi Police after identifying the suspect's presence in the city. Following the information, Karachi Police launched a targeted operation that led to the arrest.

Officials said he was known by the nickname “Lal Badshah” in Punjab and had been evading law enforcement for years.

Eight cases across Punjab

Police records show that at least eight cases were registered against the main suspect in Punjab between 2018 and 2023. These include cases in Khanewal, Tariqabad, Bhati Gate, Shahdara, Bahauddin Zakaria and Ravi Road police stations.

The charges include kidnapping, child abuse, keeping children in confinement, robbery, attempted murder, forcible abduction and other serious offences.

Also Read: Man accused of abusing 100 children arrested in Karachi

In 2018, two cases were registered against him at Bhati Gate Police Station, including abuse while keeping a child confined. In 2022, a case of child abduction was registered in Shahdara.

In 2023, four cases were lodged at Bahauddin Zakaria Police Station — one for robbery, one for child abuse with confinement and attempted murder, and two separate cases for attempted murder. The eighth case, registered the same year at Ravi Road Police Station, involved forcible abduction.

Karachi cases and DNA match

Police officials said eight complaints were reported to Karachi Police between 2020 and 2025. Although the abuse incidents occurred in different districts and years, DNA samples from the cases matched the same individual.

Investigators were shocked when DNA evidence linked cases spanning a six-year period. In all reported incidents, boys aged between 12 and 13 were sexually assaulted.

Karachi Additional Inspector General Azad Khan formed a special investigation team on January 6. The team was led by CIA DIG Muqaddas Haider.

The East Investigation unit successfully arrested the most wanted suspect within just 11 days of the team’s formation.

Police said the main suspect was a resident of Manzoor Colony and worked as a puncture dealer, according to police officer Usman Sadozai. He was also formally identified by a victim child in court.

This identification has strengthened the prosecution’s case against him, investigators said.

Possible handover to Punjab Police

Authorities stated that after the completion of proceedings in the Karachi cases, the accused may be handed over to Punjab Police for further legal action in the registered cases there.

Police officials said investigations are ongoing to determine whether more victims or accomplices are involved.