May 20, 2002	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1423

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KARACHI, May 19: Authorities on Sunday launched DNA tests on samples taken from a dismembered body which they believe are the remains of murdered US reporter Daniel Pearl.

“We are sending samples to Lahore for DNA testing today,” a police investigator told newsmen, adding that they included teeth, hair, bones and samples of blood stains taken from the hut where Pearl was believed to have been killed.

“The opinion of the experts who will conduct the DNA tests will be final for us,” said the investigator, adding that the laboratory in Lahore specializes in the high-tech procedure.

Authorities found the decapitated body on Friday buried on a vacant plot of land near the blood-stained hut where he was apparently murdered after being abducted on January 23.

The investigator said police had questioned a man who used to own the desolate plot, in an area notorious as a criminal haunt.

The owner, Maulana Tayyab, said he had sold the property some eight years ago but did not recall the name of the buyer. He promised to provide police with papers relating to the sale, the investigator said.—AFP