LAHORE: Police claimed on Saturday to have recovered a 12-day-old newborn that was allegedly abducted from a house in Nishtar Colony and arrested a woman involved in taking the infant to Sheikhupura district.

According to the police, the woman allegedly developed contacts with the victim’s family while they were at a private hospital and later kidnapped the baby from the family’s home. She then travelled to Buddo Palli in Sheikhupura district, allegedly changing four to five rickshaws on the way in an attempt to evade detection.

The operation was launched after DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza took notice of the incident and directed the immediate recovery of the infant.

A special investigation team, headed by Model Town SP Investigation Usman Aziz Mir, was constituted for the purpose.

Police said Nishtar Colony Investigation In-charge Ghulam Murtaza, along with his team, traced the suspect using CCTV footage and other investigative techniques before arresting her and safely recovering the newborn.

Investigators said the suspect had been married for two years but had no children and allegedly befriended the complainant’s family during their stay at a private hospital before carrying out the abduction.

DIG Investigation Mr Raza said the suspect was in police custody and that a strong challan would be prepared to ensure she was prosecuted. He said there would be no leniency for those involved in kidnapping innocent children and vowed strict action against criminal elements. SSP Investigation Muhammad Naveed announced commendation certificates for members of the police team in recognition of the successful recovery operation.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2026